Over two thousand pounds of Blue Ridge Beef puppy and kitten food are being recalled due to contamination with salmonella and listeria. This troubling news was shared in an announcement on the FDA’s website. The tainted two-pound food mixes were sold between January 3 and January 24, 2025.
Both salmonella and listeria can cause serious health issues for pets and humans. Symptoms in pets include lethargy, diarrhea (which can be bloody), fever, and vomiting. Some pets may only show decreased appetite or abdominal pain. Infected pets can also spread these bacteria to other animals and humans.
For humans, the symptoms are similar, with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever being common. More serious complications can arise, leading to conditions like arthritis or urinary tract infections. If you or your pet start to feel unwell, it’s important to contact a doctor or veterinarian.
To protect yourself and your pets, make sure to wash and disinfect any bowls, utensils, or surfaces that came into contact with the affected food.
The contaminated food was distributed in several states including Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia. If you have the affected products—identified by lot numbers N25 1230 for puppy mix and N26 0114 for kitten mix—it’s advised to either return them to the store or dispose of them correctly to keep everyone safe.
For more details or questions about the recall, you can reach Blue Ridge Beef at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or call 704-873-2072 during business hours.
Recent Insights: According to a study by the CDC, foodborne pathogens like salmonella and listeria contribute to about 48 million illnesses in the U.S. each year. This highlights the importance of food safety and recalls in protecting public health. With more pet owners treating their animals as family members, awareness around pet food safety is critical, as pets can easily transmit these pathogens back to humans. Remember to check for recent updates or recalls on pet food to keep your furry friends safe.