Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Pet Food, Possible Salmonella, Listeria

There is a 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 surface exposed to these products.

Blue Ridge Beef is voluntarily recalling two (2) of its frozen products due to their potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes. Salmonella and Listeria can affect animals eating the product.

There is a 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 surface exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

The affected products are sold in 2 lb chubs and can be identified with the following manufacturing codes:

• Beef for Dogs — Lot #mfd ga8516 — UPC code 8542980011009
• Kitten Grind — Lot #mfd ga81216 — UPC code 854298001016

The affected products were distributed to retail stores in the following states:

• NC
• SC
• GA
• FL
• AZ
• TX

About Salmonella and Listeria

Salmonella and Listeria can affect animals eating the product and there is a 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 surface exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.

Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare provider. Consumers should also follow the simple handling tips on the package.

What caused the Recall

This recall was initiated after the FDA received two complaints associated with these products, including one complaint of two kitten illnesses and one complaint of a puppy death. Subsequent testing by the FDA of a 2 lb chub of beef for dogs and kitten grind collected at a veterinary office revealed the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. There is no direct evidence linking these unfortunate instances to contaminated product.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration.

What to do

Consumers who have purchased the above lots of beef for dogs or kitten grind are urged to stop feeding them and return products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Or dispose of them immediately. Those with questions can email the company at blueridgebeefga@yahoo.com.