From the FDA statement:
Lystn, LLC dba/ANSWERS Pet Food of Fleetwood, PA, has voluntarily withdrawn certain lots of ANSWERS Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs, SAGOT Straight Beef Formula for Dogs, and SAGOT Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs Dog out of an abundance of caution after samples collected by the US Food and Drug Administration reportedly tested positive for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses associated with these lots have been confirmed. Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals that eat the products and there is a risk to people from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Listeria monocytogenes rarely causes disease in dogs, but is possible. Dogs may have mild symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Even if the dog does not show symptoms, it can still be a carrier of the bacteria and spread it to people. If a dog has consumed many of the products specified below, pet parents are encouraged to consult their veterinarian if symptoms develop.
People can get sick by handling contaminated food or touching exposed surfaces Listeria monocytogenes. Symptoms in humans may include fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff neck, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable Listeria monocytogenes infections and symptoms may become more severe. Anyone who exhibits symptoms after handling many of the products specified below, should contact their health care provider.
Individuals who handle pet food can become infected Salmonellaespecially if they don’t wash their hands well after coming into contact with surfaces that are exposed to so many of the products involved. There are thousands of species of Salmonellaless than a handful are harmful to pets or people. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious illness, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers who exhibit these signs after coming into contact with such a product should contact their health care providers. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems may be at greater risk Salmonella infection.
Pets with Salmonella infections can be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may only show a loss of appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but healthy pets can become carriers and infect other animals or people. If your pet has consumed many of the products specified below and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The lots mentioned below are distributed throughout the United States in retail stores and direct online sales. Again, no illnesses associated with these lots have been confirmed.
ANSWERS is notifying the public, distributors, and retail stores of this notice.
Removeable products are sold in 4lb half gallon cartons. The brand names and lot numbers of the products being phased out are listed in the table below:
| PRODUCT NAME/UPC | SIZE | Best Buy / Expiration | Lot Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANSWERS Detailed Pet Food Beef Formula for Dogs/856554002102 |
4lb (Half Gallon Carton) | MAY 06, 2026 | BUBD MAY 06, 2026 |
| ANSWERS Pet Food Straight Beef Formula for Dogs/856554002072 |
4lb (Half Gallon Carton) | JAN 31, 2026 | BUBD JAN 31, 2026 |
| ANSWERS Pet Food Straight Chicken formula for Dogs/856554002065 |
4lb (Half Gallon Carton) | JAN 02, 2026 MAR 11, 2026 |
BUBD JAN 02, 2026 and MAR 11, 2026 |
what to do
FDA guidelines recommend that any product from listed lots that has not been used up should be discarded or destroyed in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access it. Areas that may have come into contact with any contaminated food should be sanitized. The FDA recommends that people not handle potentially contaminated food with bare hands and therefore suggests wearing gloves or using paper towels when placing any contaminated product in a sealed bag for disposal or when handling such food.
If consumers have any of these multiple products in their possession and would like a refund, please submit the receipt and product photos to [email protected] along with the retailer information. If you have questions or concerns, please email ANSWERS’ Pet Food at [email protected].
For Informational Purpose
Pathogens appear in all types of pet food products from time to time and some can be harmful to pets and/or people. The FDA considers any presence (zero tolerance) of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenesregardless of origin, quantity, and type, as an adulterant in pet food. Pursuant to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, to date, MGA SAGOT has not received any quantification data or a completed Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) from the FDA or Center for Veterinarian Medicine for this particular product lot. ANSWERS is conducting the voluntary withdrawal of these specific lots out of an abundance of caution to protect public health by ensuring the timely removal of the affected product lots from the market. The answers will continue to be investigated in this FDA report which is working on its number one priority to bring healthy, safe, truly raw pet food products to market.
Answers has been and continues to work with the FDA to ensure the highest and safest food is provided to your pets and continues to stand by the safety of our food and the unique and innovative way we protect our food through of fermentation, probiotics and protection. cultures that facilitate the growth of pathogens.
