Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Kitten Mix Due to Salmonella Contamination

• Announcement Date: January 3, 2025
• FDA Publish Date: January 3, 2025
• Company Name: Blue Ridge Beef
• Product Name: Kitten Mix pet food
• Issue: Potential Salmonella contamination
• Details: 2 lb logs, Lot N25-0716, UPC 854298001436
• Action: Return to the place of purchase or safely destroy the product

Stick around to learn more about what happened. Shall we?

What happened?

On January 3, 2025, Blue Ridge Beef announced a recall of 1,350 lbs of its Kitten Mix pet food due to potential Salmonella contamination. The recall stems from a customer complaint of animal illness, prompting an investigation by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources. A product sample collected on December 12, 2024, tested positive for Salmonella at the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory.

Affected products:

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Lot Number	Issue	Distribution Dates	States Affected
Blue Ridge Beef	Kitten Mix	2 lbs	854298001436	N25-0716	Salmonella contamination	July 18, 2024, to July 26, 2024	Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York

What caused the issue?

The contamination is linked to Salmonella, a bacteria that can impact animals and humans. Here’s what you need to know:

• Salmonella is commonly found in raw meat, poultry, eggs, and contaminated water. It can cause infections in animals and humans.
• Health Risks for Humans: Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever. Severe cases could lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis.
• Health Risks for Pets: Symptoms range from lethargy and diarrhea to fever and vomiting. Asymptomatic pets can still spread the bacteria to others.
• Root Cause: Affected product tested positive during an investigation following a customer complaint.

No confirmed reports of human illness have been associated with this recall so far, but caution is advised.

1. What is Salmonella, and why is it dangerous?
   Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause infections in humans and animals, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
2. How was this contamination discovered?
   The contamination was identified during an investigation by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources after a customer complained of animal illness.
3. Which products are affected?
   The recall involves Kitten Mix in 2 lb logs, Lot N25-0716, UPC 854298001436.
4. What states were the products distributed in?
   The affected products were distributed in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
5. How can I identify the recalled product?
   Check for Lot N25-0716 and UPC 854298001436 on the product label.
6. What should I do if I have this product?
   Stop using it immediately, dispose of it safely, and clean any surfaces it contacts.
7. Can Salmonella affect my pet?
   Yes, pets can experience symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. If symptoms appear, contact your veterinarian.
8. Are there any reports of human illnesses?
   No confirmed human illnesses have been reported, but handling the product carefully is crucial.
9. What precautions should I take?
   Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling pet food and sanitize pet bowls, utensils, and storage containers.
10. Where can I get more information?
    Contact Blue Ridge Beef at [email protected] or 704-873-2072 for further details.

Here’s what you should do

If you have purchased this product, take the following steps:

• Stop Use Immediately: Do not feed the recalled product to pets or other animals.
• Check Labels: Look for Lot N25-0716 and UPC 854298001436.
• Dispose Safely: Destroy the product in a way that prevents access by children, pets, or wildlife.
• Clean Thoroughly: Wash and sanitize pet bowls, utensils, and storage containers.
• Contact: Reach Blue Ridge Beef at [email protected] or 704-873-2072 for more information.

Behind the brand

Blue Ridge Beef, headquartered in Statesville, NC, specializes in raw pet food products. While their mission is to provide high-quality nutrition, this isn’t their first recall. Last month the brand recalled their Blue Ridge Beef Puupy Mix due to Salmonella contamination. Repeated incidents like these highlight the ongoing challenges of ensuring safe manufacturing practices.

“Addressing a product recall isn’t just about resolving an issue—it’s an opportunity to reinforce your brand’s commitment to excellence and trust. Transparent communication and decisive action not only protect consumers but also demonstrate your dedication to quality and safety in every step of the process.”  Eran Mizrahi, Source86’ CEO.

Ensuring safe eats

This recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols in pet food production. Contaminated products not only jeopardize animal health but can also pose risks to humans handling these items. As the pet food market grows, so does the need for robust quality control measures to prevent such incidents. For pet owners and industry players alike, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and transparency.

If you’re looking for reliable, high-quality ingredients to elevate your products, reach out to Source86 today or explore our range of ingredients. Let’s work together to build a safer food supply chain for all.