Voluntary recall issued for raw kitten and puppy food

Photo courtesy of the FDA.

Blue Ridge Beef is recalling certain raw pet food products because of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. All lot numbers and used by dates between N24 1124 to N24 1224 of the brand's 2 lb log of Kitten Grind (UPC 8 54298 00101 6); 2lb log of Kitten Mix (UPC 8 54298 00143 6) and their 2lb log of Puppy Mix (UPC 8 54298 00169 6) have been voluntarily recalled with knowledge of the FDA.

Photo courtesy of the FDA

Blue Ridge Beef was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on December 15, 2023, that one lot of each of the sampled raw meat products tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Out of an abundance of caution, the company is recalling all lots with the used by dates between N24 1124 to N24 1224, according to the FDA. The lot numbers and used by dates are located on the silver tabs at the end of the tubes.

Distributed between November 14, 2023, and December 20, 2023, the recalled products were packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. To date, no illnesses have been reported.

Pets eating the contaminated products can be infected by Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Infected animals may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian if their animal has consumed a recalled product and is showing symptoms of possible infection.

There is also risk to humans who handle the recalled pet foods, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any exposed surfaces. Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care providers.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to contact Blue Ridge Beef at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund and destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access it. The recalled products should not be sold, donated or fed to pets or other animals.

Those handling the recalled products should wash and sanitize their hands or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food. Pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers should also be washed and sanitized, according to the FDA.

Consumers with questions may contact Steven Lea at (704) 880-4500 Monday through Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm EST.

Reference

Blue Ridge Beef issues voluntary recall of Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Grind, Blue Ridge Kitten Mix, and Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix Due to Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes contamination. FDA. December 21, 2023. Accessed December 21, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-blue-ridge-beef-kitten-grind-blue-ridge-kitten-mix-and-blue#recall-photos