Expansion of Pet Food Recall to 16 States – Essential Information for Pet Owners

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Blue Ridge Beef, a pet food company based in Statesville, North Carolina, has widened its recall due to the discovery of Salmonella and Listeria traces in some of its products, posing potential risks to pets and their owners. The expanded recall now encompasses kitten and puppy food distributed in 16 states.

Initially, the company issued a recall last month for specific items, including the 2lb Kitten Grind, 2lb log of Kitten Mix, and 2lb log of Puppy Mix. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services alerted the company about the presence of salmonella and listeria monocytogenes in one lot of each product, prompting the initial recall, as reported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The affected products were distributed between November 14, 2023, and December 20, 2023, with primary sales occurring in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, according to the FDA. However, the recall has now expanded to include additional states.

Despite the potential dangers associated with the contamination, Blue Ridge Beef assured the FDA that no illnesses related to the recalled products have been reported to date.

The recalled pet food products were packaged in clear plastic and predominantly sold in retail stores across 16 states, namely Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Salmonella and Listeria infections can impact both pets and humans, with the latter being susceptible to infection through the handling of contaminated pet products. As a precautionary measure, experts advise thorough handwashing and the cleaning of surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected products.

Symptoms of salmonella and listeria infection in humans include nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.

To address the recall, Blue Ridge Beef recommends that consumers who purchased the affected products contact the company at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund. For additional inquiries, Steven Lea with Blue Ridge Beef can be reached at (704) 880-4500, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST.

Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled pet foods to prevent accidental consumption by children, pets, or wildlife. Additionally, thorough washing and sanitization of pet food bowls, cups, utensils, and storage containers that may have come into contact with the contaminated products are recommended.

The expanded recall underscores the importance of vigilant oversight and swift action in addressing potential health risks associated with pet food products. Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls and take appropriate steps to safeguard the well-being of their pets and households.

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