Consumer news
Massive pet food recall: How do I know if I have a contaminated lot and what should I do?
Health officials have discovered Salmonella contamination in a cat food product presenting a risk to pets and humans alike prompting a recall.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a notice that Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,350 pounds of cat food due to Salmonella contamination. Not only animals that consume the products can be affected by Salmonella but there is also a risk to humans.
This is especially true for those who handle contaminated products and don’t thoroughly wash their hands, or any other products or surfaces exposed to the affected product.
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1,350 lbs. of Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix recalled
The affected product is Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix pet food that comes in 2-pound logs with Lot Number N25-0716 and UPC 854298001343. The products were distributed between July 18, 2024, to July 26, 2024, and sold primarily in the states of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania. Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York at retail stores.
The product is packaged in a clear plastic chub and you can find photos of the product and its packaging on the FDA’s notice for the Blue Ridge Beef’s Kitten Mix recall.
Those in possession of this product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a refund, “or destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access.” The recall notice also says not to “sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals.”
Health authorities also instruct people who find Salmonella contaminated products in their household to “wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food.”
For more information contact blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or 704-873-2072.
How does salmonella affect pets and humans?
Even though this is a pet food product, it’s not just pets that are at risk. Pets who consume the treats could be affected, but according to the FDA, humans are also at risk from handling contaminated products, “especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.”
Pets that get infected but don’t show any signs of illness can be carriers of the disease and may still spread it to other animals or humans.
Symptoms of salmonella in humans include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In severe cases, salmonella can cause arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
Pets affected by salmonella may show symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may only exhibit decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. If your pet shows any of these symptoms or has eaten the recalled product, please contact your veterinarian.
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