Blue Ridge Beef Issues Urgent Pet Food Recall Due to Salmonella Contamination
Attention, pet owners! A serious alert has been issued as Blue Ridge Beef is recalling a staggering 2,460 pounds of its beloved pet food products—Kitten Mix and Puppy Mix—due to potential contamination with harmful Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This recall highlights the importance of safeguarding your furry friends from foodborne illnesses, so let’s dive into the details!
What You Need to Know About the Recall
Blue Ridge Beef’s recall affects two specific lots:
- Kitten Mix: Lot # N26 0114 (1,080 pounds)
- Puppy Mix: Lot # N25 1230 (1,380 pounds)
These products were distributed between January 3 and January 24, 2025, and are packaged in clear plastic containers. They were primarily sold in retail stores across several states, including Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
The Journey to Recall
The discovery of the contamination came after a customer complaint led the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to collect samples on March 20, 2025. Just a few weeks later, on April 1, 2025, the results confirmed the presence of both Salmonella and Listeria.
Why is this a concern? Both bacteria can pose serious health risks to both pets and humans alike. Pets can exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, while humans can experience severe gastrointestinal issues.
Potential Health Risks of Salmonella
Salmonella poses a significant threat not only to your pets but to humans as well. Here’s what you should be aware of:
- For Pets: Symptoms may include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and severe lethargy. Some pets may seem healthy but can still carry the bacteria, posing a risk to other animals and humans.
- For Humans: Handling contaminated food can lead to serious illness, including nausea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In rare cases, severe conditions like arterial infections or arthritis can occur.
What Should You Do?
If you have purchased either of these recalled products, it’s crucial to take immediate action:
- Return the Product: Bring the items back to the place of purchase.
- Disposal: If you choose to dispose of the products, do so in a manner that prevents access to children, pets, and wildlife.
- Clean Carefully: Wash and sanitize all utensils and containers that came into contact with the recalled food. Don’t forget to thoroughly wash your hands afterward!
Stay Informed: Other Recent Recalls by Blue Ridge Beef
This recall isn’t the first for Blue Ridge Beef. Just a few months prior:
- In January 2025, the company recalled 5,700 pounds of its Natural Mix due to Salmonella concerns.
- Earlier that same month, a recall of 1,350 pounds of Kitten Mix occurred for the identical reason.
- In December 2024, another batch of the Puppy Mix faced withdrawal due to contamination.
For More Information
If you have any questions regarding this recall, don’t hesitate to reach out to Blue Ridge Beef directly at [email protected] or call 704-873-2072.
For additional information and updates on the recall, refer to the official FDA press release.
Conclusion
Your pet’s health and safety is paramount. This latest recall by Blue Ridge Beef serves as a reminder to always stay vigilant about the food you provide for your furry companions. Make sure to share this information with fellow pet owners to help keep everyone’s beloved pets safe and healthy!
