The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) Food and Drug Branch has issued a public alert regarding a recall of certain lots of raw dog food products by Lystn, LLC. The recall is due to potential contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. These products were distributed online and through local boutique pet stores.
The DOH Food and Drug Branch is working with local pet stores to ensure the recalled products are removed from sale. Contamination can affect both animals consuming the products and humans handling them, particularly if proper hygiene practices are not followed.
Symptoms in pets infected with Salmonella can include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, or decreased activity levels. Infected pets may shed bacteria without appearing ill. Symptoms of listeriosis in pets can range from mild to severe diarrhea, anorexia, fever, nervousness, muscular and respiratory issues, to more severe outcomes like miscarriage or death.
Humans can contract Salmonella or Listeria infections through contact with contaminated products or surfaces. Symptoms for Salmonella infection in people include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps; while listeriosis symptoms may involve fever, headache, muscle aches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhea.
No illnesses have been reported so far related to the recalled products. Consumers are advised to check their product’s "best used-by date" and avoid feeding these to their pets. Contaminated food should be handled with gloves and disposed of properly. Areas exposed to the contaminated product should be sanitized.
For refunds on recalled items, consumers are instructed to submit receipts along with product pictures and retailer information via email at [email protected]. Additional inquiries can also be directed to ANSWERS Pet Food at the same address.