Top Quality Dog Food of Hyattsville, MD, is recalling “Beef HVM” 1-pound packages because of potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Both Salmonella and Listeria can affect animals eating the product and there is risk to humans handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
The contamination was found after a state surveillance sample revealed the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, in some 1-pound. packages of Beef HVM. The remaining “Beef HVM” batch in the firm’s possession has been quarantined and it has discontinued the distribution of this batch.
The recalled “Beef HVM” was distributed in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Miami, Connecticut and South Carolina. The products were also distributed through mail order and direct delivery from July 27 to Aug. 2.
Recalled product:
- The “Beef HVM” comes in a 1-pound package marked with lot #071521 on the bottom right corner of the label.
As of the posting of this recall, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled product.
Customers who received the product are urged to dispose of it immediately.
About Salmonella infections in humans
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has come in contact with any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has handled any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has handled any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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