Pet Food Recall: Thousands of Pounds Involved Over Safety Concerns

"Product recall" sign near succulent on orange background.

Blue Ridge Beef has issued a recall of 5,700 pounds of its Natural Mix pet food due to salmonella contamination, reflecting a troubling recurrence of food safety issues.

Quick Takes

  • Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 5,700 pounds of its Natural Mix pet food due to salmonella contamination.
  • The recall affects 2-pound logs of Natural Mix with lot number N25/12/31 and UPC number 854298001054.
  • The contamination was discovered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
  • Salmonella poses risks to both pets and humans, with symptoms including nausea and diarrhea.
  • Consumers should return or destroy the contaminated product and sanitize exposed surfaces.

Pet Food Recall Details

The recall involves 2-pound logs of Blue Ridge Beef’s Natural Mix pet food, identified with lot number N25/12/31 and UPC code 854298001054. 5,700 pounds of the product were sold in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Rhode Island. The potential contamination was discovered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Food and Drug Protection Laboratory, prompting an immediate recall to prevent health risks to both pets and their owners.

The FDA warns of the dangers of salmonella for humans and animals. Symptoms in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever, while affected pets may exhibit lethargy, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. Infected pets can also transmit salmonella to other animals or humans, emphasizing the need for caution and preventive measures.

Preventive Measures and Company Response

Blue Ridge Beef advises consumers who have purchased the affected product to return or destroy it immediately. Surfaces and items that have come into contact with the contaminated food should be thoroughly washed and sanitized to prevent any potential spread of the bacteria. The company urges not to feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals, underscoring the seriousness of the recall.

“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.” – FDA release

This recent notice follows a previous recall involving 9,600 pounds of Blue Ridge Beef’s Puppy Mix due to similar contamination issues. Affected Puppy Mix products, identified with UPC 854298001696 and lot numbers 08/06/N25 and 08/16/N25, were found to be contaminated with salmonella after a report of sick puppies. As a cautionary measure, the FDA recommends against feeding, selling, or donating these products, specifying they should be either returned or destroyed.

Impact and Company Background

Blue Ridge Beef, renowned for producing raw pet food for over 40 years, operates in 33 states and the District of Columbia. Such recalls are significant, given the company’s extensive reach and the potential impact on consumers and their pets. The company states it remains committed to quality, service, and safety, yet must address these pressing food safety concerns.

This series of recalls underscores the critical importance of vigilance and responsibility in pet food production. As Blue Ridge Beef navigates this challenging period, ensuring consumer safety and confidence is paramount, reaffirming these values through comprehensive and preventative measures in production and distribution practices.

Sources

1. Blue Ridge Beef recalls puppy food that may be tainted with salmonella

2. Popular brand of pet food recalled due to salmonella concerns: ‘Contact your veterinarian’

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