The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning for dog owners in eight states. Blue Ridge Beef’s raw dog food has been found contaminated with salmonella, leading to a recall of 5,700 pounds of the product.
The recall involves Blue Ridge Beef’s Natural Mix, which comes in 2-pound rolls. It tested positive for salmonella this week. This bacterium can cause serious illness in both pets and humans, with various symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable.
The affected dog food was available in retail stores from January 3 to 24 in the following states: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Rhode Island. If you have this product, look for a UPC of 854298001054 and a lot number of N26/12/31.
Salmonella can lead to food poisoning. Each year, around 1.2 million people in the U.S. are affected by salmonella, according to a study from August 2024. The bacteria are commonly found in raw or undercooked meats, raw fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized dairy, and eggs.
In humans, salmonella can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In more severe cases, it might lead to serious health issues like infections or arthritis.
For pets, salmonella can cause similar problems including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Some affected pets might lose their appetite or experience abdominal pain.
This isn’t the first time Blue Ridge Beef has issued a recall. In December, their Puppy Mix was also found to be contaminated with salmonella.
The FDA warns that anyone handling contaminated pet food should wash their hands thoroughly. Salmonella can easily spread from pets to humans, especially if proper hygiene is not practiced.
If you have Blue Ridge Beef’s Natural Mix at home, it’s best to return it to the store or throw it away safely to avoid contact with people and animals. Make sure to clean any surfaces that came into contact with the food, including pet bowls and storage containers.
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Dogs,Dog Food,Product recall,FDA