Dog Food Recall Alert: Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix Pulled for Salmonella Risk
Pet owners, take note: Blue Ridge Beef, a North Carolina-based pet food company, has issued a recall for its Puppy Mix due to salmonella contamination concerns. The recall applies to 2-pound logs of the product with lot numbers 08/06/N25 and 08/16/N25 and a UPC of 854298001696.
This recall, announced by the FDA, spans multiple states, including Pennsylvania. The FDA highlights the potential risk not only to pets consuming the contaminated food but also to humans handling it, particularly if proper hygiene measures are not followed.
Discovery and Testing of Contaminated Product
The issue came to light after a customer reported a sick litter of puppies to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of salmonella in the product. According to the FDA, the affected food was packaged in clear plastic and distributed between August 6 and August 23, 2024.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection in Pets and Humans
Salmonella infections in pets can manifest through various symptoms, including:
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
Infected but asymptomatic pets can still spread the bacteria to other animals or humans, increasing the risk of transmission.
Humans handling contaminated food are also at risk. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever and abdominal cramps
In severe cases, salmonella infections can lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, and other complications.
What Pet Owners Should Do
The FDA advises anyone who purchased Blue Ridge Beef’s recalled Puppy Mix to:
- Stop feeding the food to pets immediately.
- Return the product to the point of purchase or safely dispose of it where pets and children cannot access it.
- Sanitize all food bowls, utensils, and surfaces that came into contact with the food.
- Monitor pets for symptoms of infection and consult a veterinarian if any signs appear.
- Practice thorough handwashing after handling the recalled product or cleaning contaminated items.
For people experiencing symptoms after handling the product, contacting a healthcare provider is strongly recommended.
This recall serves as a crucial reminder to stay vigilant about pet food safety and to regularly check for updates from trusted sources like the FDA.
