Blue Ridge Beef is recalling approximately 5,700 pounds of its dog food due to potential Salmonella contamination. This recall highlights the importance of understanding the “What Dog Food Recall” process and how to protect your pets.
The natural raw pet food brand issued the recall for specific lots of its 2-pound log Natural Mix after samples tested positive for Salmonella. The presence of Salmonella can pose health risks to both animals and humans, making it crucial for pet owners to stay informed about potential recalls.
The contaminated samples were collected on January 8th by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and tested by their Food and Drug Protection Laboratory. The affected products were distributed across multiple states in January.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which was notified of the contamination on January 27th, the recalled products are stamped with Lot # N25/12/31 and UPC# 854298001054. Pet owners should carefully check their dog food for these identifying marks to determine if they have purchased the affected product.
The recalled products were sold in several states, including Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Rhode Island. The FDA advises consumers who have purchased the affected product to either return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of it immediately in a secure manner. This means ensuring that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access the contaminated food.
It’s important to emphasize that the government agency strongly urges customers not to feed the recalled product to any animals. Additionally, pet owners should thoroughly wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers after handling the recalled food. Handwashing is also crucial to prevent the spread of Salmonella.
Salmonella infection in pets can manifest in various symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and lethargy. Affected animals may also experience decreased appetite and abdominal pain. Even if pets do not show obvious symptoms, they can still be carriers of Salmonella and transmit the infection to other animals or humans.
In humans, Salmonella symptoms can include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While less common, Salmonella can also lead to more serious complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
This “what dog food recall” situation with Blue Ridge Beef highlights the potential dangers of contaminated pet food and the importance of staying informed about recalls. By taking precautions and monitoring your pet’s health, you can help protect both your animal and your family from Salmonella infection.
