Popular pet food recall issued after dangerous contaminants found

Blue Ridge Beef has issued a recall of two of its pet food products after tests showed contamination with both Salmonella and Listeria—bacteria that can cause serious illness in both pets and humans, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration said.

The recall affects 1,080 pounds of two-pound logs of “Kitten Mix” marked with lot number N26 0114 and 1,380 pounds of “Puppy Mix” with lot number N25 1230, the FDA said. These numbers can be found stamped on the clips at the end of the packaging.

The contaminated products, packaged in clear plastic, were distributed between Jan. 3 and Jan. 24, and were primarily sold in retail stores across Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin, the FDA said.

Humans who have handled the contaminated pet products, especially if they have not washed their hands after touching the products have a significant chance of being infected with Salmonella or Listeria. The two bacterias can lead to symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea—sometimes bloody—and fever. In more serious cases, people may develop complications such as arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis and urinary tract issues, the FDA said. Any person exhibiting these symptoms should call their doctor.

The health problems for pets are also serious. Infected animals may show signs such as lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Some pets may appear healthy while still carrying the bacteria, potentially spreading it to other animals or humans, the FDA said. Pet owners who notice any of these symptoms in their animals should contact their veterinarian immediately.

Blue Ridge Farms is headquartered in Statesville, North Carolina, and the state’s Department Agriculture was notified April 1 that the company’s products had been linked to illness.

Samples of the products were collected on March 20 by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets after a customer complained of animal illness.

Consumers are advised to check their freezers and dispose of the affected products, and to clean any surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with the recalled pet food.

Kaylee Remington is a trending news and metro reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Read her work online.