Blue Ridge Beef has issued a recall of several lot numbers of its kitten and puppy food after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified contamination with salmonella and listeria in the products. The affected products include Kitten Grind (UPC 8 54298 00101 6), Kitten Mix (UPC 8 54298 00143 6), and Puppy Mix (UPC 8 54298 00169 6).
The recalled items, packaged in 2-pound clear plastic containers, were distributed between November 14 and December 20. The use-by dates for the contaminated batches range from N24 1114 to N24 1224. These products were primarily sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Following the initial recall announcement, Blue Ridge Beef expanded the list of affected products. Customers can locate the use-by dates on a silver tab at the end of the tubes. The company advises that these products pose a health risk not only to pets but also to individuals who handle the food, particularly if they fail to wash their hands thoroughly after contact with the contaminated items or any surfaces exposed to them.
The FDA warns that healthy individuals infected with salmonella may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In some cases, the infection could lead to more severe health issues. Pets infected with salmonella or listeria may also transmit the bacteria to humans. Symptoms in pets can include lethargy, fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting. Some pets may only show signs of decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.
Blue Ridge Beef is offering a full refund to customers who have purchased the affected products. The company urges consumers to discard the contaminated food immediately and to reach out via email at [email protected] for further assistance.
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