Bravo Issues Nationwide Recall Over Concerns About Listeria
Bravo Pet food, headquartered in Manchester, Conn., is recalling several lots and products nationwide because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to an announcement from the US Food and Drug Administration on Thursday, May 15, 20014.
According to the company, they have received some reports of sick pets with symptoms that could be associated with Listeria. There have been no reports of human illness associated with this recall.
The raw pet food manufacturer is recalling the dog and cat food products after some of them tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly food-borne bacteria.
The pet food, which was distributed nationwide to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers, and directly to consumers, was manufactured in Connecticut and New Zealand. Much of the food is sold and fed to pets raw and is distributed in tubes and boxes.
The foods pose a risk to the animals who consume it. They also pose a risk to people who don’t thoroughly wash their hands after handling the pet food.
The early warning signs of Listeriosis in pets include symptoms such as sudden fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, poor coordination, high fever, and drooling. Pets can also develop a droopy face – a sign of paralysis. Ultimately the bacteria affects a pet’s brain, leading to swelling in the brain. Death can follow.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and other people who have weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, infection with Listeria can pose special dangers for pregnant women, leading to miscarriages and stillbirths.
It is usually rare for cats and dogs to become ill from Listeria, especially healthy cats and dogs. The greater danger is normally for humans who handle the pet food. However, if you suspect that your pet may be sick from Listeria, you should take him or her to the veterinarian immediately to find out. Prompt treatment can help the pet recover.
The recalled products include the following:
These products are being recalled because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes
Product Numbers: 52-102, 52-105, 52-110
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: BRAVO! BALANCE PREMIUM TURKEY FORMULA (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
3 lb. box with (12) 4oz. burgers
Product Number: 31-401
Best Used By Dates: 1/07/16 and 2/11/16
These products are being recalled out of an abundance of caution because while they did not test positive for pathogens, they were manufactured in the same manufacturing facility or on the same day as products that did test positive.
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
All 2lb., 5lb., and 10lb. tubes
Product Numbers: 42-102, 42-105, 42-110
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BASIC FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
2lb. tubes
Product Number: 42-202
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! BEEF & BEEF HEART FOR DOGS AND CATS (Made in New Zealand)
5lb. tubes
Product Number: 53-130
Best Used By Date: 10/10/15 or earlier
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! 100% PURE & NATURAL PREMIUM GRASS-FED BUFFALO FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
NET WT 2LBS (32 OZ) .91KG (Tubes)
Product Number: 72-222
Best Used By Date: 1/7/16
PRODUCT: BRAVO! TURKEY BALANCE FORMULA (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
NET WT 2 LBS (32 OZ) .09KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 31-402
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16
NET WT 5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 31-405
Best Used By Dates: 1/7/16 and 2/11/16
PRODUCT: RAW FOOD DIET BRAVO! LAMB BLEND FOR DOGS AND CATS (Manufactured by: Bravo! Manchester, CT)
5 LBS (80 OZ) 2.3KG, Chub (tube)
Product Number: 42-105
Best Used By Date: 2/11/16
Do not feed these products to pets. If you see them on the shelf at a retailer, notify the store and ask that they be removed. If you have these products at home, you can return the food to the store where they were purchased and submit a claim form to the Bravo web site for a full refund. You can also dispose of the products safely yourself (by throwing them away in a secure trash container, for example).
Always be sure to wash your hands after handling any pet food.
More information on the Bravo recall can also be found at www.bravopetfoods.com, or call toll free (866) 922-9222.
