Blue Ridge Beef Issues Recall For Salmonella and Listeria Contamination
Blue Ridge Beef, a pet food company based in Statesville, North Carolina, has issued a recall for specific lots of its Kitten Mix and Puppy Mix products due to potential contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The recall affects approximately 1,080 pounds of Kitten Mix and 1,380 pounds of Puppy Mix.
The recalled products include 2-pound logs of Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix with Lot #N26 0114 and Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix with Lot #N25 1230. Lot numbers are stamped in the clips at the ends of the chubs or bags. The products were distributed between January 3, 2025, and January 24, 2025, and sold primarily through retail stores in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York State, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
Salmonella and Listeria infections can affect both pets and humans. Pets may show symptoms such as lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, decreased appetite, or abdominal pain. Infected pets, even if they do not show symptoms, can carry the bacteria and transmit it to other animals or people. Pet owners observing these symptoms should consult their veterinarian.
Humans can become infected by handling contaminated pet products, especially if they do not wash their hands or clean exposed surfaces properly. Symptoms of Salmonella or Listeria infection in people include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In rare cases, the infections can cause more serious conditions such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, or urinary tract issues. Individuals who develop symptoms after handling the recalled products should contact their healthcare provider.
The contamination was discovered after a customer complaint of animal illness prompted product testing. On March 20, 2025, samples were collected by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. On April 1, 2025, the firm was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture that the products tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria.
Consumers are urged not to sell, donate, or feed the recalled products to pets or any other animals. Products should be securely destroyed to prevent access by children, pets, or wildlife. Pet food bowls, cups, storage containers, and any surfaces that came into contact with the recalled products should be thoroughly washed and sanitized. Handwashing after handling pet food is strongly recommended.
For more information or to request a refund, consumers can email blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or call Blue Ridge Beef at (704) 873-2072, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.
