Blue Ridge Beef, a pet food company based in Statesville, North Carolina, has announced a recall of 5,700 pounds of its “Natural Mix” pet food due to potential Salmonella contamination.

The affected products are packaged in 2-pound logs with the lot number N25/12/31 and UPC number 854298001054. These products were distributed between January 3 and January 24, 2025, primarily in retail stores across Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Rhode Island.

Health Risks Associated with Salmonella

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause illness in both animals and humans. Pets infected with Salmonella may exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, and vomiting. Some pets may only experience decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and may infect other animals or humans. In humans, Salmonella infection can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. In rare cases, it can result in more severe conditions, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.

Previous Recalls by Blue Ridge Beef

This is not the first time Blue Ridge Beef has faced issues with Salmonella contamination. On January 3, 2025, the company recalled 1,350 pounds of its “Kitten Mix” pet food after samples tested positive for Salmonella. The affected products were 2-pound logs with the lot number N25-0716 and UPC number 8542980013436. These were distributed in various states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee.

In December 2024, Blue Ridge Beef also recalled its “Puppy Mix” product due to Salmonella contamination. The recall affected 2-pound packages distributed between August 6 and August 23, 2024, in states such as Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. The issue was identified after a customer’s litter of puppies became ill, leading to testing that confirmed the presence of Salmonella.

Consumer Guidance

Consumers who have purchased the recalled “Natural Mix” product are advised to stop feeding it to their pets immediately and dispose of it carefully. It’s important to wash hands thoroughly after handling the product or any surfaces exposed to it to prevent potential infection. If pets or humans exhibit symptoms after exposure, they should contact a veterinarian or healthcare provider promptly.

Company Response and Contact Information

Blue Ridge Beef has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of its products. The company is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address the issue. Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall can contact Blue Ridge Beef directly at [email protected] or by calling 704-873-2072.

Preventive Measures for Pet Owners

To minimize the risk of Salmonella infection, pet owners should always practice good hygiene when handling pet food. This includes washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling pet food and treats, cleaning pet food bowls and feeding areas regularly, and avoiding feeding pets raw food diets, which have a higher risk of contamination. Additionally, it’s advisable to store pet food according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and to remain vigilant for any recall announcements related to pet food products.

Conclusion

The recent recall by Blue Ridge Beef highlights the importance of food safety in pet products. Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed about potential risks and to take proactive steps to ensure the health and well-being of their pets and themselves.