Blue Ridge Beef recalls thousands of pounds of pet food due to salmonella contamination, posing risks to both animals and humans.
At a Glance
- Blue Ridge Beef recalls 5,700 pounds of Natural Mix pet food due to salmonella contamination
- Affected products are 2-pound logs with lot number N25/12/31 and UPC number 854298001054
- The contaminated food was distributed in several Northeastern and Southeastern states
- This recall follows a previous recall of 9,600 pounds of Blue Ridge Beef puppy food
- Consumers are advised to return or discard the contaminated food immediately
Contamination Discovery and Affected Products
Blue Ridge Beef, a popular pet food brand, has issued a recall for 5,700 pounds of its Natural Mix pet food due to salmonella contamination. The contamination was discovered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Food and Drug Protection Laboratory, prompting swift action from the company. The affected products are 2-pound logs of Natural Mix with lot number N25/12/31 and UPC number 854298001054.
The contaminated dog food was sold in several states across the Northeast and Southeast regions of the United States, including Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Rhode Island. Pet owners in these areas are urged to check their pet food supplies immediately.
Blue Ridge Beef, a pet food manufacturere, has issued a recall due to Salmonella contamination. https://t.co/La5MSMu4AT
— NewsChannel 8 | KTUL (@KTULNews) February 2, 2025
The presence of salmonella in pet food poses significant risks to both animals and humans. The FDA has emphasized the potential dangers associated with handling contaminated pet products.
“Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products,” an FDA press release explains.
In humans, salmonella infection can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Infected pets may exhibit signs including lethargy, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. It’s important to note that infected animals can potentially spread the infection to other animals or humans, making proper handling and disposal of the contaminated food crucial.
Previous Recall and Company Response
The recall is not the first for Blue Ridge Beef. The company recently issued a separate recall for 9,600 pounds of its Puppy Mix due to similar salmonella concerns. The FDA reported that it “was notified by the FDA that these products tested positive” for salmonella contamination after a “customer’s litter of puppies became ill and reported the issue.”
Blue Ridge Beef, which has been producing raw pet food for over 40 years and distributes in 33 states and the District of Columbia, emphasizes its commitment to “quality, service, and safety.” The company has advised customers to return or destroy the contaminated food and to thoroughly wash and sanitize any items that may have come into contact with it.
Pet owners who have purchased the affected products are strongly advised not to feed them to their pets or any other animals. Instead, they should return the products to the place of purchase or dispose of them safely. The company and the FDA stress the importance of proper sanitation to prevent the spread of potential contamination.
Check your cupboards!
