The following is from FDA Advisory.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an advisory for pet owners concerning certain Answers Pet Food products that have tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono). The FDA took action after receiving consumer complaints about illnesses in dogs that consumed these products. Despite FDA recommendations, the manufacturer has not initiated an adequate recall of the contaminated products, raising concerns for pets nationwide.

Fast facts from the FDA advisory

• The FDA tested unopened retail samples of Answers Pet Food products after receiving three consumer complaints of illness in dogs.
• Multiple products tested positive for both Salmonella and L. mono, posing a risk to both pets and people.
• The affected products are sold frozen in 4-pound cartons and include:
  1. Answers Pet Food Raw Beef Detailed Formula for Dogs
     • UPC/bar code number: 856554002102
     • BUBD: May 06 2026
  2. Answers Pet Food Raw Beef Straight Formula for Dogs
     • UPC/bar code number: 856554002072
     • BUBD: Jan 31 2026
  3. Answers Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs
     • UPC/bar code number: 856554002065
     • BUBD: Jan 02 2026
  4. Answers Pet Food Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs
     • UPC/bar code number: 856554002065
     • BUBD: Mar 11 2026
• Important: Answers Pet Food products do not use lot codes. Instead, they are identified by a “Best Used By Date” (BUBD) sticker on the product carton.
• The products are available for purchase online and in retail stores nationwide.
• The FDA recommended that Answers Pet Food recall these products. However, the company has not initiated a recall of the affected products.
• If you have any pet food listed below, the FDA advises you to dispose of it in a secure container to prevent access by other animals.
• The FDA emphasizes that Salmonella and L. mono can infect both animals and humans. People with symptoms of infection should consult their healthcare providers, and pet owners should consult their veterinarians if pets show signs of illness.

What the FDA recommends

If you have purchased any of the contaminated products, the FDA provides the following instructions:

1. Do NOT feed the products to your pets. Dispose of them securely to prevent animals from accessing the food.
2. Do NOT donate the food to shelters or other places where it might be fed to animals.
3. Clean and disinfect all pet supplies and surfaces that came into contact with the contaminated food:
   • Wash all items with hot, soapy water.
   • Use a bleach solution or disinfectant to sanitize surfaces where the food was stored or prepared.
   • For detailed cleaning instructions, refer to the CDC’s pet supply cleaning guidelines.
4. Monitor your pets for symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection, such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and lethargy.
   • If your pet shows any symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pet food or cleaning any surfaces that came into contact with it.
6. If you or any household members experience symptoms of Salmonella or L. mono infection (such as stomach pain, fever, nausea, diarrhea), consult a healthcare provider.

Risks to humans and pets

• Salmonella and L. mono pose risks to both pets and people, especially young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
• For pets: Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
• For humans: Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

FDA’s current actions

• The FDA continues to monitor the situation and urges pet owners and veterinarians to report any illnesses associated with these products through the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal.

Learn more about cleaning and disinfecting pet supplies through the CDC’s cleaning guidelines.

For more details, read the FDA’s official advisory.