Blue Ridge Beef has broadened its pet food recall due to the detection of Salmonella and Listeria in their products, posing potential health hazards to both pets and their owners.
On January 3, the company announced the expansion to cover more lot numbers, affecting additional states. The recall now includes the 2lb Kitten Grind, 2lb Kitten Mix, and 2lb Puppy Mix, which were distributed across a wider range of states.
The recalled items, according to the notice, are “encased in transparent plastic and predominantly sold in retail outlets” across 16 states: Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. This expansion includes states not previously listed in the initial recall.
Recall Details
The recall encompasses all product lot numbers and expiration dates from N24 1114 to N24 1224. These identifiers are located on the silver section at the end of the product tubes. All products in question were distributed between November 14, 2023, and December 20.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned on its website about the potential health risks for pets consuming these products. Symptoms in infected pets may include lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
The FDA statement adds: “Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.”
Furthermore, pet owners are advised to practice hygiene by washing their hands after handling the recalled products. Salmonella in humans can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and in severe cases, more complex health issues.
Consumers who purchased these products should contact Blue Ridge Beef for a complimentary refund, and the company will dispose of the returned food.
The recall guidance states: “Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food.”
This recall by Blue Ridge Beef is separate from their previous recall on October 27, 2023, involving the Breeders Choice 2lb product, distributed from August 9 to August 25, which was found to be contaminated with salmonella.
