Pet food recall in 6 states as warning issued to owners

The federal Food and Drug Administration has announced Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,350 Ibs worth of its 1b log Kitten Mix in response to salmonella contamination.

The product was sold primarily in retail stores in the states of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

Newsweek contacted Blue Ridge Beef for comment on Saturday via email outside of regular office hours.

Why It Matters

According to the FDA, “salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is 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 surfaces exposed to these products.”

Healthy people who are infected by salmonella are urged to monitor themselves “for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever.”

Stock photo showing kittens eating at the Animal Rescue New Orleans headquarters May 30, 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Blue Ridge Beef kitten mix has been recalled in response to Salmonella contamination.

Mario Tama/GETTY

In addition, the FDA said: “Rarely, salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.”

The agency also notes that “pets with salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.”

What To Know

The recall was made after a customer reported an animal became ill after eating the food. A sample was then taken on December 12, 2024 by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources and tested by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory, where it tested positive for salmonella.

Blue Ridge Beef was informed about the test results on Friday after which the recall was issued with cooperation from the FDA.

The recalled Kitten Mix has lot number N25-0716 and UPC 8542980013436. It was distributed between July 18 and July 26, 2024 and was sold in clear plastic packaging along with the Blue Ridge Beef logo in blue, and with “for cats” stamped on the front.

What People Are Saying

The FDA notice said: “Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return to place of purchase or destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Do not sell or donate the recalled products.

“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.”