Dog food recalled after government testing shows Salmonella contamination

Blue Ridge Beef is recalling their Breeders Choice 2# log dog food Lot# 8/2/24 UPC 8 54298 00193 1 because of Salmonella contamination. 

On Oct. 27, the firm was notified by the Food and Drug Administration that the dog food tested positive for Salmonella. Salmonella can infect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

This is the company’s fourth recall since 2017. The FDA sent a warning letter to the company in 2020 after finding Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria in its plant.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The product was distributed between Aug. 8 and Aug. 25. The recalled product was packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. It may have been sold in other states.

There is concern that consumers may have the recalled dog food in their freezers, so anyone who bought Blue Ridge Beef food from Aug. 8 through Aug. 25 should check their freezers for the affected lot numbers.

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to contact Blue Ridge Beef directly at [email protected] for a full refund or destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. 

Wash and sanitize any pet food bowls, cups and storage containers , utensils and surfaces that have come in contact with the recalled dog food. Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling pet food. Consumers with questions may contact Steven Lea at 704-880-4500.

About Salmonella infections in humans

Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has handled any of the recalled dog food and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.

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