Blue Ridge Beef has issued a recall of over 2,400 pounds of its puppy and kitten food products due to contamination concerns involving Salmonella and Listeria, as confirmed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall affects two specific products: the Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix and the Kitten Mix, which were distributed across eight states between January 3 and January 24, 2025.
The FDA alert detailed that the affected products include 1,380 pounds of Puppy Mix, marked with lot number N25 1230, and 1,080 pounds of Kitten Mix, marked with lot number N26 0114. These products were packaged in clear plastic bags and sold in retail stores in Wisconsin, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Tennessee.
This recall was initiated after a customer reported that their pet became ill after consuming the food. Following this complaint, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets collected samples of the products on March 20, 2025, which later tested positive for both Salmonella and Listeria.
The FDA has warned that both bacteria can pose serious health risks to pets and humans alike. Symptoms in humans may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever. In more severe cases, individuals may also experience complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, and urinary tract issues.
Pets that consume contaminated food may exhibit signs of illness such as lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Alarmingly, some animals may carry the bacteria without showing any symptoms, posing a risk of spreading it to other animals or humans.
In light of these health risks, the FDA has urged consumers who purchased the affected products to take immediate action. They are advised to return the products to the place of purchase or dispose of them in a manner that prevents access by children, pets, or wildlife. The FDA emphasizes that consumers should not sell or donate the recalled products and should wash and sanitize all pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers thoroughly.
The recall highlights the importance of food safety, particularly for pet owners who may be unaware of the potential dangers lurking in their pet's food. The FDA stated, "Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase or destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. 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."
Blue Ridge Beef, headquartered in Statesville, North Carolina, has taken these precautionary measures to ensure the safety of pets and their owners. As the recall unfolds, pet owners are encouraged to stay informed about the products they purchase and to report any health issues related to pet food consumption.
The FDA continues to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as necessary. Pet owners are reminded to be vigilant and proactive in checking their pet food for any recalls or safety alerts.
As this situation develops, it serves as a crucial reminder of the potential risks associated with pet food and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to protect both pets and humans from foodborne illnesses.
