by Blue Ridge Beef, a company specializing in raw pet foods, has issued a voluntary recall of certain products designed for kittens and puppies due to potential contamination with salmonella and listeria. The recall was initiated after the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services informed the company about the presence of salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes in specific batches of the Kitten Grind, Kitten Mix, and Puppy Mix pet foods. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall in a recent press release.
The affected products were primarily distributed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia between November 14 and December 20. The FDA has confirmed that no illnesses related to the recalled products have been reported thus far.
Customers who purchased the potentially contaminated pet foods should check for use by dates between N24 1114 and N24 1224. These dates, along with the lot numbers, can be found on the silver tabs at the end of the products, which are packaged in tubes.
Both pets and humans can be affected by salmonella and listeria infections, and humans can become infected when handling contaminated pet products. The FDA advises individuals to thoroughly wash their hands and sanitize any surfaces that come in contact with the products as a precautionary measure.
Symptoms of salmonella and listeria infection in humans may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In more severe cases, salmonella infection can lead to conditions such as arthritis, arterial infections, ear inflammation, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Meanwhile, listeria infection can cause symptoms like headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. For vulnerable populations such as the very young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, listeriosis can be fatal, warns the FDA.
Individuals who experience any of these symptoms after coming into contact with the affected products are advised to seek medical attention.
Pets infected with salmonella and listeria may exhibit symptoms such as decreased appetite, fever, abdominal pain, lethargy, bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting in severe cases. Pet owners who suspect their pets have consumed the recalled products and show these symptoms are urged to contact their veterinarian promptly, according to the FDA.
Consumers who purchased the affected products can reach out to Blue Ridge Beef at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com to receive a full refund. It is recommended to dispose of the recalled pet foods and thoroughly clean pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers that may have come into contact with the products.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
