Recalled: Blue Ridge Beef Cat Food Kitten Grind, Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix, and Blue Ridge Beef Dog Food Puppy Mix (Expanded on January 3, 2024)

Maker: Blue Ridge Beef
Cause: Salmonella contamination and Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
Announcement: FDA recall announcement dated December 22, 2023 (archived here), and expanded recall on January 3, 2024 (archived here).
What was recalled: N24 1114 to N24 1224 of their 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

In an announcement dated December 22, 2023, Blue Ridge Beef, a reputable pet food manufacturer, has issued a voluntary recall of their “Kitten Grind, Kitten Mix, and Puppy Mix 2 lb Log” due to confirmed contamination of Salmonella and Listeria Monocytogenes. This recall is a voluntary expanded recall of their original Blue Ridge Beef Breeders Choice Raw Pet Food issued October 27, 2023. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has corroborated this information in a publication released on the same day.

To date, there have been no reported cases of illnesses linked to this recall.

Dangers of Salmonella Contamination

Salmonella is notorious for posing severe health threats both to animals consuming the contaminated products and humans handling them. Those who come into contact with these products are advised to wash their hands thoroughly to avoid potential transmission.

For humans, symptoms of Salmonella infection encompass nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In infrequent cases, it can also lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Any individual displaying these symptoms after handling the product is strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention.

In pets, symptoms manifest as lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Healthy pets may still carry the bacteria, serving as potential sources of infection to other animals or humans. Should your pet show these symptoms after consuming the recalled product, a prompt veterinary consultation is crucial.

Dangers of Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause serious illness in humans, cats, and dogs. Here are the dangers associated with Listeria contamination for each:

Humans

1. Listeriosis: This infection can cause severe symptoms, especially in pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and severe complications like meningitis.
2. Pregnancy Risks: Pregnant women are particularly susceptible and can experience miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
3. Neurological Effects: Listeria can cause meningitis and encephalitis, leading to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
4. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common in milder cases.

Cats

1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Like in humans, cats can experience diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
2. Neurological Symptoms: In severe cases, cats may show signs of nervous system involvement such as incoordination, tremors, seizures, and even coma.
3. Septicemia: The bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to a body-wide infection which can be fatal.
4. Weakened Immune Systems: Cats with weakened immune systems are more at risk of severe infections.

Dogs

1. Mild Symptoms: Dogs often show milder symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, but these can still be uncomfortable and dangerous if not treated.
2. Severe Infections: In rare cases, dogs can develop severe infections that affect the brain, leading to symptoms similar to those in cats.
3. Respiratory Symptoms: Some dogs may exhibit respiratory symptoms like difficulty breathing or coughing.
4. General Weakness: Dogs may experience lethargy, weakness, and a lack of appetite.

Prevention and Treatment

• Good Hygiene: Washing hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw food can prevent Listeria.
• Proper Food Handling: Cooking meat to the appropriate temperature and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products can reduce the risk.
• Veterinary Care: Prompt veterinary attention for pets showing symptoms of infection is crucial.
• Medical Attention: Humans showing symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical care immediately.

Listeria contamination is a serious health threat, and awareness of its symptoms and prevention methods is crucial for the safety of humans and their pets.

Distribution of Contaminated Product

The potentially contaminated product was distributed from November 14, 2023, to December 24, 2023. It is packaged in clear plastic and primarily sold in retail stores in the following states: T, FL, IA, IL, MA, MD, MI, NC, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, VA & WI.

What Should You Do?

Consumers in possession of this product are firmly advised to either:

• Contact Blue Ridge Beef directly for a full refund at [email protected].
• Safely dispose of the product, ensuring it remains inaccessible to children, pets, and wildlife.

Under no circumstances should the recalled product be sold, donated, or fed to pets or other animals.

Sanitation is vital: Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, storage containers, and all utensils that may have come in contact with the recalled food. Hand hygiene is paramount after handling any recalled products.

For any queries or concerns, consumers can reach out to Mr. Steven Lea at (704) 880-4500, available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.

This recall is being executed voluntarily by Blue Ridge Beef in collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, underlining their commitment to ensuring the well-being of pets and their owners.

Blue Ridge Beef Contact Information

Blue Ridge Beef Phone: 704-880-4500 Email: [email protected]

We urge our readers to spread the word about this recall, ensuring the safety of pets and pet owners alike. Stay informed and stay safe!

View other recent pet food recalls here, and if you have not done so already, we urge you to sign up now for Petful’s FREE recall alerts by email. Our free alerts are saving pets’ lives.

There were more recalls in 2023. See the previous one:

⇦ Previous Recall

(Or browse recalls by brand name)