The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public health alert regarding a recall of certain lots of ANSWERS Pet Food brand dog food. The recall is due to potential contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, which pose risks to both animal and human health. These products were notably sold online and through local boutique pet stores. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health's Food and Drug Branch is taking action to ensure these products are pulled from store shelves and are not being further distributed or sold.
Handling these contaminated products puts humans at risk, particularly if they fail to thoroughly wash their hands after contact. Pets infected with Salmonella might show symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, whereas Listeria monocytogenes can lead to a more severe condition known as listeriosis. While some pets may not exhibit symptoms immediately, they can still spread the bacteria to humans and other animals within the household.
As outlined in the health warning, symptoms of Salmonella in humans can include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, with severe cases possibly requiring hospitalization. Listeriosis symptoms in humans can be more dire, leading to miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women, or muscle aches and nausea in otherwise healthy individuals. Both infections can be serious, and seeking medical advice is strongly encouraged at the sign of symptoms following exposure to the affected products.
To safely dispose of the contaminated dog food, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health advises to use gloves and seal the product in a plastic bag, then to thoroughly sanitize any areas the product may have touched. Consumers are also entitled to a refund by sending details, including a receipt and product pictures, to the manufacturer's email address provided in the health notice. As of the current update, there have been no reported illnesses linked to the recall.
For further information or to ascertain if you own any of the recalled products, you can visit the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health's official announcement page. The page provides detailed product descriptions and the "best used-by date" to help consumers identify the affected lots and ensure the safety of their pets and family.
