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RECALL UPDATE: More Frozen Food Contaminated With Disease-Causing Bacteria

By: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| March 17, 2021

On March 3rd, 2021, Bravo Packing, Inc. voluntarily recalled two of their frozen formulas: Performance Dog and Ground Beef. Consumers were asked to safely dispose of these products as they could be contaminated with salmonella and listeria monocytogenes bacteria. But now, that recall is expanding.

This company has now recalled all of their pet food and bones due to a risk of disease-causing bacteria. If you feed your dog any Bravo Packing, Inc. products, please proceed with caution and dispose of all affected food. Despite the similar name, Bravo Packing, Inc. has no relation to Bravo Pet Foods.

Bravo performance dog
Image: @TxPCN/Facebook

Which Products Were Recalled?

Bravo Packing, Inc. of New Jersey has now expanded its recall to include all pet food and bones of all package sizes. The recall was expanded due to the potential of cross-contamination.

Here’s a full list of the affected products:

  • “Performance Dog” (chub) frozen raw dog food – 2 pounds and 5 pounds
  • “Green Tripe” (chub – ground bovine stomach) frozen raw dog food – 2 pounds and 5 pounds
  • “Beef” (chub – ground) frozen raw dog food – 2 pounds and 5 pounds
  • “Performance Dog” (patties) frozen raw dog food – size unknown
  • “Tripe” (patties 1/4 pounds) frozen raw dog food – size unknown
  • Bones (smoked) 14 varieties – sizes unknown
Beef Bravo Dog Food
Image: @PawdPetSupplies/Facebook

How Can Salmonella and Listeria Affect You and Your Dog?

The contaminated products could be dangerous for both you and your dog, especially if you don’t thoroughly wash your hands after serving. Salmonella in pet food is known to cause illness for the dogs who eat it and the humans who handle it.

Humans infected with salmonella may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In extreme cases, it could lead to more severe conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, arterial infections, endocarditis, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. If you have come into contact with a recalled product, it’s recommended that you talk to a medical professional.

Animals with salmonella may experience similar symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, lethargy, vomiting, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. If your dog shows any of these symptoms after eating the food, contact your vet immediately. Your pet could pass salmonella to others through saliva and feces.

Anxious dog with tennis ball

Listeria monocytogenes usually only cause short-term symptoms for humans and pets, but those with weakened immune systems could develop serious or fatal infections. Some symptoms of listeria are fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

No animal or human illnesses related to these products have been reported. Yet, dogs can carry salmonella or listeria without showing symptoms, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry if you suspect that something is wrong.

What Should You Do with the Recalled Food?

Bravo Packing, Inc. sells its products to retail stores and consumers nationwide. If you have a recalled product, please dispose of it and be cautious when handling it. Also, wipe down any surfaces that the food could’ve touched, such as counters, dishes, and containers. If you or your dog are showing unusual symptoms, seek a medical professional right away.

If you have additional questions, you can contact Bravo Packing, Inc. at 856-299-1044. You can call any time between 9 am and 2 pm EST on Monday through Friday. Your dog’s health is a priority, so it’s best to act fast if you have purchased this brand before.

H/T: fda.gov

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