A significant recall has been initiated by Blue Ridge Beef after discovering contamination in certain pet food products. The company is recalling a total of 2,460 pounds of its Kitten Mix and Puppy Mix products due to the presence of harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Following an investigation prompted by a customer complaint regarding animal illness, tests confirmed the contamination. This latest recall adds to a series of earlier incidents involving similar issues with other product lines.

In early March 2025, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets collected samples from the affected products following reports of adverse health effects in animals. Subsequent analysis conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of dangerous pathogens. The recalled batches include 1,080 pounds of Kitten Mix and 1,380 pounds of Puppy Mix, both packaged in two-pound logs. These items were primarily sold through retail outlets across multiple states such as Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

The distribution period for these contaminated products spans from January 3 to January 24, 2025. Consumers are advised that exposure to Salmonella and Listeria can pose serious health risks not only to pets but also to humans. Symptoms in pets may manifest as diarrhea, fever, vomiting, or lethargy, while infected animals without visible symptoms can still spread the bacteria to others. For humans, handling these tainted products might lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramping, and potentially more severe conditions like arterial infections or arthritis.

This recent incident marks another chapter in Blue Ridge Beef's history of recalls. In January 2025 alone, the company issued two separate recalls totaling over 7,000 pounds of pet food due to Salmonella contamination. Additionally, in December 2024, a recall was announced for their Puppy Mix product under similar circumstances. Each of these events underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the company in maintaining product safety standards.

To protect against further risk, consumers possessing any of the recalled products are strongly encouraged to return them to the point of purchase or dispose of them securely where they cannot be accessed by children, pets, or wildlife. Furthermore, individuals should thoroughly wash and sanitize all surfaces, bowls, utensils, and containers that have come into contact with the contaminated food. Proper hygiene practices, especially handwashing after handling recalled items, remain crucial in preventing cross-contamination.

For additional details concerning this recall, interested parties may reach out directly to Blue Ridge Beef via email or phone. Such proactive measures aim to ensure public awareness and safeguard both human and animal health moving forward.