The FDA warned consumers not to feed certain Answers raw dog-food cartons after unopened retail samples tested positive for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, or both. The affected products are identified by their 4-pound carton UPC and Best Used By Date, so check the carton before feeding or handling it.
The FDA warned consumers not to feed certain Answers raw dog-food cartons after unopened retail samples tested positive for Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, or both. The affected products are identified by their 4-pound carton UPC and Best Used By Date (BUBD), not by a conventional lot code.
Check the carton before feeding, handling, or cleaning up the food. If it matches any row below—or if the date cannot be read—do not feed it. Securely discard the product, clean anything it touched, and contact a veterinarian or healthcare professional if an exposed animal or person becomes ill.
Answers dog food products consumers should check
These are the specific products and dates identified in the FDA advisory. Keep the two chicken entries separate: they have the same UPC but different Best Used By Dates.
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| Product | Formula | Carton size | UPC | Best Used By Date | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Answers Raw Beef Detailed Formula for Dogs | Beef Detailed | 4-pound carton | 856554002102 | May 06, 2026 | Do not feed; secure and discard |
| Answers Raw Beef Straight Formula for Dogs | Beef Straight | 4-pound carton | 856554002072 | January 31, 2026 | Do not feed; secure and discard |
| Answers Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs | Straight Chicken | 4-pound carton | 856554002065 | January 02, 2026 | Do not feed; secure and discard |
| Answers Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs | Straight Chicken | 4-pound carton | 856554002065 | March 11, 2026 | Do not feed; secure and discard |
Look for the BUBD sticker on the carton. Answers does not use conventional lot codes for these products, so do not rely on a lot-code search. If the carton is gone or the date is unreadable, the FDA advises discarding the food rather than guessing whether it is affected.
Why the FDA issued the warning
On September 23, 2024, the FDA warned dog owners not to feed the listed Answers products after testing unopened retail samples. According to the FDA, samples from two products tested positive for Salmonella, one tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, and one tested positive for both pathogens. The frozen products were sold in 4-pound half-gallon cartons through retail stores and online sales nationwide.
The FDA said it collected the samples after receiving three consumer complaints involving illness in dogs that had eaten the products. The agency recommended that Answers recall the products and stated that the company had not initiated an adequate recall at that time. In the company announcement posted by the FDA, Answers described its action as a voluntary withdrawal and said that no illnesses associated with the listed lots had been confirmed at that time.
Those details matter. The laboratory findings support removing the identified products from use, but they do not establish that every Answers product is affected or prove that the food caused every reported illness. This article concerns the specific cartons and dates identified by the FDA—not a permanent, brand-wide finding about all Answers food.
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What the later FDA warning letter found
A later FDA warning letter provided additional details about the tested samples:
- The May 06, 2026 Beef Detailed sample contained Salmonella Newport and Listeria monocytogenes.
- The January 31, 2026 Beef Straight sample contained Listeria monocytogenes.
- The January 02, 2026 Straight Chicken sample contained Salmonella Kentucky.
- The March 11, 2026 Straight Chicken sample contained Salmonella Typhimurium.
The warning letter also said FDA environmental sampling detected Listeria monocytogenes on seven facility surfaces, including food-contact surfaces. Two environmental isolates genetically matched the Listeria isolate from the Beef Detailed finished-product sample.
This enforcement information describes the FDA’s findings connected with the identified products and facility sampling. It should not be broadened into a claim that every current Answers product is contaminated or that all products from the brand are under a recall.
What to do if you have the affected food
- Stop feeding it immediately. Do not taste the food, mix it into another meal, donate it, sell it, or give it to another animal.
- Keep it away from people, pets, and wildlife. Place the carton and food in a sealed or otherwise secure bag or container. Make sure children and animals cannot access it.
- Avoid bare-hand contact. Disposable nitrile gloves for handling recalled pet food can help during removal and cleanup, but gloves do not replace thorough handwashing.
- Record the details first, if safe. Photograph the carton, UPC, BUBD sticker, receipt, and retailer information. This can help with a refund or credit request and with any report to the seller or manufacturer.
- Clean everything the food touched. Wash and sanitize bowls, scoops, utensils, counters, refrigerator or freezer surfaces, floors, and other exposed items. Follow the disinfectant label, including its directions for use and contact time, and verify that it is suitable for the surface.
- Wash your hands. After handling the carton, food, waste, bowls, or cleaning materials, wash thoroughly with warm water and soap.
Freezing or refrigeration does not kill Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes. Do not leave the food in a freezer as a “decontamination” step, and do not assume that a frozen carton is safe because it has remained frozen.
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Possible signs in dogs
Salmonella can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, and abdominal discomfort in dogs. Some dogs can carry and shed Salmonella without appearing sick, which means an apparently healthy dog may still contaminate hands, bowls, floors, or other household surfaces.
Listeria monocytogenes is less common as a cause of illness in dogs, but it can cause gastrointestinal illness or more serious systemic disease. Dogs may also shed the organism without obvious symptoms.
Symptoms can have many causes, so do not assume that every vomiting or diarrhea episode was caused by Answers food. Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog ate an affected carton, especially if the dog develops illness, is very young or old, is pregnant, or has another condition that affects immune function. Tell the veterinarian what product and BUBD were involved and whether the dog may have exposed other animals or people.
Possible signs in people
Salmonella infection can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Listeriosis can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and nausea. Severe illness may include neurologic symptoms such as a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions.
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Pregnant people, newborns, adults age 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious listeriosis. Infection during pregnancy can result in severe pregnancy complications. If someone develops symptoms after handling the potentially contaminated food or exposed household surfaces, contact a healthcare provider and explain the possible exposure. Seek urgent medical care for severe symptoms, including confusion, seizures, severe dehydration, or bloody diarrhea.
How to request a refund or credit
Answers’ official refund policy instructs customers to contact [email protected]. The company asks for information such as:
- the product’s Best Used By Date;
- the order number;
- a description of the problem; and
- pictures, if requested.
The policy says Answers may provide a replacement product or credit, but do not assume that a refund, replacement, shipping label, or other result is guaranteed. Procedures can change, so confirm the current instructions with the company before submitting a claim. Keep your receipt and product photos when possible, even if you must discard the food.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does this affect every Answers product?
No conclusion in the FDA advisory establishes that every Answers product is affected. The identified products are the specific 4-pound cartons and BUBD dates listed above. Do not automatically treat an unlisted product as recalled, but also do not use this article as a recommendation to feed an alternative product. Check current FDA notices and product-specific information before making a replacement decision.
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As of the research information used for this article, the Answers website remained active and listed products including Mighty Raw for Dogs, Simply Protein for Dogs, and Power Pours. The site also stated that the company ships across the Lower 48 states. Those website details describe the company’s current web presence only; they do not establish that a product is safe, unaffected, or suitable as a replacement for the affected food. Recheck live product, safety, and customer-service information before purchasing.
Quick checklist
- Check the Answers carton’s UPC and Best Used By Date.
- Do not feed any carton matching the four entries in the table.
- Discard food with an unreadable date or missing packaging rather than guessing.
- Use a secure bag or container and keep it away from children, animals, and wildlife.
- Clean bowls, utensils, storage areas, and other exposed surfaces.
- Wash hands with warm water and soap after cleanup.
- Call a veterinarian if an exposed dog becomes ill.
- Contact a healthcare provider if an exposed person develops symptoms.
- Save photos and receipts, then contact Answers at [email protected] about the company’s current claim process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether my Answers dog food is affected?
Check the 4-pound carton’s UPC and Best Used By Date against the FDA-identified entries: Beef Detailed, UPC 856554002102, May 06, 2026; Beef Straight, UPC 856554002072, January 31, 2026; or Straight Chicken, UPC 856554002065, January 02, 2026 or March 11, 2026. Answers does not use conventional lot codes for these products.
Is every Answers dog food product recalled?
No. The FDA warning concerns specific Answers products and Best Used By Dates. It does not establish that every Answers product is recalled or contaminated.
Does freezing the Answers food make it safe?
No. Freezing and refrigeration do not kill Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes. Keep the food away from people and animals, secure it for disposal, and clean exposed surfaces instead.
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Contact your veterinarian if the dog becomes ill and mention the possible food exposure. Dogs can shed Salmonella or Listeria without obvious symptoms, so clean bowls and surfaces and wash your hands after handling the dog’s food or waste.
How can I request a refund or credit?
Answers’ refund policy directs customers to email [email protected] with the Best Used By Date, order number, and a description of the problem. Keep photos and receipts; the company may request pictures and may offer a replacement or credit, but the outcome should be confirmed with the company.
The Bottom Line
Check the carton—not just the brand name. The FDA identified four specific Answers raw dog-food entries by UPC and Best Used By Date. Do not feed a matching carton, or any carton whose date cannot be verified; secure and discard it, clean exposed surfaces, wash your hands, and seek professional medical or veterinary advice if symptoms develop.
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