Another Pet Food Recall Has Been Issued Across Multiple States—Here's What You Need to Know
Shocked dog wearing glasses
'Tis the season for recalls, it seems, as yet another one has been issued that paw-rents should be aware of. And this time, it comes from the popular pet food company Blue Ridge Beef.
According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Blue Ridge Beef issued a voluntary recall on Thursday, December 21 for three varieties of pet food that was distributed across multiple states. The reason? The food was contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
Related: Another Massive Pet Food Recall Has Been Issued Nationwide—Here's What You Need to Know
The varieties were discovered to be affected on December 15 when the company was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services after samples of the product tested positive for both bacteria. And while only one lot of each variety tested positive, Blue Ridge Beef has opted to voluntarily recall all lots with lot numbers and use by dates between N24 1124 to N24 1224.
Products included in this recall include 2-pound bags of the brand's Kitten Grind, Kitten Mix and Puppy Mix with each one being distributed between November 14 and December 20, 2023. The products in question were packaged in clear plastic and sold to retail stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
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For context, pet foods that are contaminated with salmonella and listeria are important to pay attention to because they affect the health of both animals and humans. According the FDA, pets — even if they don't seem to be ill — can carry the bacteria in question and pass it to their human companions. And as the CDC notes, symptoms of salmonella and listeria in humans can include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, however, hospitalization or death can occur.
Pets, similarly to humans, do not always display symptoms from the infection. Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, decreased activity level or either diarrhea or bloody diarrhea. If your pet has any of the above symptoms, be sure to contact your vet immediately.
Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported to date, but consumers that have these products in their possession are urged to discard of the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot gain access to. Additionally, consumers can reach out to blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund. For any questions regarding this refund, customers can contact Mr. Steven Lea at (704) 880-4500 from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
