Pet Food Recall Due to Salmonella and Listeria Contamination

Recalled Products and Potential Risks

Blue Ridge Beef is issuing a recall for specific 2 pound logs of Kitten Grind, Kitten Mix, and Puppy Mix due to contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

Consumption of these contaminated products can affect animals and also pose a risk to humans.

If individuals have had contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to them, thorough handwashing is necessary to reduce the risk of infection.

Symptoms and Potential Transmission

Pets that consume the recalled products may display symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), fever, and vomiting.

Some pets may exhibit decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.

Infected pets that appear healthy may still carry the bacteria and infect other animals or humans.

If a pet has consumed the recalled product and exhibits these symptoms, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian.

Recall Details and Actions to Take

The recall was initiated after one lot of each product was found to be positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes during testing by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The affected products were distributed between November 14, 2023, and December 20, 2023, primarily in retail stores located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are advised to contact Blue Ridge Beef for a full refund and to dispose of the food in a manner that prevents access by children, pets, and wildlife.

Recalled pet food should not be sold or donated, and pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers should be thoroughly washed and sanitized.

Additionally, individuals should wash and sanitize their hands after handling the recalled food or any utensils that may have come into contact with it.

Salmonella and Listeria Infections

Salmonella-contaminated food may not exhibit any visible signs of spoilage, making it difficult to detect. Anyone can become ill with a Salmonella infection, but infants, children, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food.

Severe cases may require hospitalization, and certain individuals, such as older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to severe illness and complications.

Listeria monocytogenes-contaminated food may not show any signs of spoilage, but can still cause severe infections. Symptoms may include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness.

Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at high risk of serious illnesses and life-threatening infections.