Dog Food Recall 2021: Possible Salmonella, Listeria Contamination Could Make Your Pet Sick

Top Quality Dog Food has recalled packages of its dog food because it may be contaminated with salmonella and listeria that could affect pets as well as humans.

The recall affects one-pound packages of Top Quality Dog Food’s Beef HVM that were sold in the states of Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut and South Carolina as well as Washington, D.C.

The recalled dog food was sold through mail order and direct delivery from July 27 to Aug. 2. It can be identified by the lot number #071521, which can be found on the bottom right corner of the label.

The possible contamination was discovered during state surveillance sampling in some packages of dog food.

Top Quality Dog Food said it discontinued the distribution of the affected batch of Beef HVM while the Food and Drug Administration and the company continue investigating the source of the contamination.

Top Quality Dog Food said no illnesses have been reported in relation to the recalled dog food.

Consumers that have the recalled dog food in their possession are urged to dispose of any unused product immediately. It can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the company at 240-802-6601, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, or send an email to customerservice@topqualitydogfood.com.

The company warned in its recall notice that there is a risk to animals that eat the affected product as well as humans that handle the potentially contaminated pet food, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after contact with it.

Salmonella infection symptoms in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Rare symptoms can include arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract infections.

Pets that have salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some may also show signs of decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Some pets can also be carriers of salmonella and infect other animals or humans.

Listeria infections in humans can be serious and sometimes fatal in young children, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include fever, headaches, stiffness, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women can also suffer miscarriages and stillbirths.

Listeria illness in pets is rare, but symptoms may include mild to severe diarrhea; anorexia; fever; nervous, muscular, and respiratory signs; abortion; depression; shock; and death.

If symptoms of salmonella or listeria are present, seek medical treatment immediately. If a pet displays symptoms of salmonella or listeria illness, seek the treatment of a veterinarian.