Pet Food Recall Update Issued Amid Salmonella Scare

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an update to its recall notice for Blue Ridge Beef’s raw dog food, after the initial press release from the company contained the wrong lot number. The product was recalled due to salmonella contamination.

Newsweek has reached out to Blue Ridge Beef outside of normal working hours via email for comment.

Why It Matters

Food is often recalled due to salmonella contamination. The bacterium causes food poisoning disease in an estimated 1.3 million people and 420 deaths in the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While many are aware of the risk salmonella poses to humans, it also poses significant risk to pets. Salmonella infection in people causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever, and in more serious cases can cause arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms.

In pets, it can cause lethargy, diarrhea, fever and vomiting, and some pets may suffer from a decreased appetite and abdominal pain.

What To Know

The FDA warned dog owners in eight states, after some of the Blue Ridge Beef dog food products was found to be contaminated with salmonella.

5,700 pounds of the product were subsequently recalled.

The details of the recalled product are as follows:

Product: Natural Mix

Size: 2 Ib

UPC: 854298001054

Lot Numbers: N25/12/13

Samples of the product were collected on January 8 by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, and the product tested positive for salmonella.

The product was sold between January 3 and January 24 this year. It was sold in the following states: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee and Rhode Island.

The FDA advised in its press release that pets who are affected with salmonella can be carriers and infect other animals and humans.

Common food sources affected by salmonella infection include raw and undercooked meat, raw fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized dairy products and raw or undercooked eggs.

In December, Blue Ridge Beef’s Puppy Mix was also found to be contaminated by salmonella and prompted a similar recall.

What People Are Saying

The FDA said in the recall: “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.”

What’s Next

If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has symptoms, the FDA advises that you contact your veterinarian.

Consumers should return the product to the place of purchase or destroy the food in a way where it won’t come in contact with people, pets or wildlife. Any surfaces that the product has touched should be cleaned thoroughly. This includes pet food bowls, cups and storage containers.

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