Welsh firm Raw Treat Pet Food Ltd is recalling four batches of frozen raw pet food – Frozen Raw Beef, Chicken, Lamb, and Chicken & Tripe Pet Food – because Listeria monocytogenes has been found in the products.
In a risk statement issued on its website the Food Standards Agency said: "Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause illness in humans and animals. The product could therefore carry a potential risk either through direct handling of the pet food, or indirectly, for example from pet feeding bowls, utensils or contact with the faeces of animals.
"In humans, symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea. However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.
"Some people are more vulnerable to listeria infections, including those over 65 years of age, pregnant women and their unborn babies, babies less than one month old and people with weakened immune systems.
Aberystwyth-based Raw Treat Pet Food Ltd is recalling the above products from their customers. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.
The FSA has issued the following advice to consumers: "If you have bought any of the above products do not use them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund. When handling and serving raw pet food it is always advised to clean utensils and feeding bowls thoroughly after use. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw pet food, bowls, utensils or after contact with animal faeces. Raw pet food should be stored separately from any food (especially ready to eat foods). Care should be taken when defrosting to avoid cross contamination of foods and surfaces."
The full FSA recall statement can be viewed at https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/alert/fsa-prin-36-2019
