A number of popular pet foods are being urgently recalled after they were found to contain a potentially deadly form of listeria.
Listeria monocytogenes have been found in nine batches of frozen pet food sold in stores across the country, with owners told that they should not use them in any circumstances or simply return them to store.
The bacteria can cause an illness called listeriosis, which can develop into serious symptoms and even death in certain groups of people.
As our sister title the Liverpool Echo reports, Raw Treat Pet Food Ltd is recalling nine products in total, which are all listed below.
Product details
Beef
Pack size: 500g
Batch code: 1583
Best before: July 10, 2021
Venison
Pack size: 500g
Batch code: 1498
Best before: May 28, 2021 / July 4, 2021 / July 23, 2021
Duck
Pack size: 500g
Batch code: 1515
Best before: July 2, 2021 / July 6, 2021 / July 12, 2021 / July 22, 2021
Lamb Tripe
Pack size: 500g
Batch code: 1590
Best before: July 9, 2021
Duck & Beef
Pack size 500g
Batch code 15151570 / 15151579 / 15151596
Best before: June 26, 2021 / July 2, 2021 / July 12, 2021
Beef & Tripe
Pack size: 500g
Batch code: 15881590
Best before: July 9, 2021
Chicken & Tripe
Pack size: 500g
Batch code: 15601590
Best before: Jul 6, 2021
Duck & Lamb
Pack size: 500g
Batch code 15151567 / 15151594
Best before: June 26, 2021 / July 2, 2021 / July 9, 2021
Duck & Tripe
Pack size: 500g
Batch code: 15151576 / 15151590
Best before: June 29, 2021 / July 6, 202
What's the risk?
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.
What should I do?
If pet owners 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.
Visit our dedicated Leeds News page for the biggest talking points from across the city.
LeedsLive has launched a WhatsApp group to keep you up to date with the latest news! Click here to join and follow the instructions on your phone. Your number won't be shared with anyone else in the group.
