THE EPOCH TIMES – North Carolina-based Blue Ridge Beef is recalling thousands of pounds of dog food, citing the presence of salmonella bacteria.
The recall applies to 5,700 pounds of the company’s “Natural Mix” product for dogs, the company said in a Jan. 31 announcement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The item, sold in 2 lb. packages with universal product code 854298001054, is made from ground beef, green tripe, beef heart, and beef liver. The lot number, stamped on the clips at the ends of the chubs or bags, is N25/12/31.
The products were distributed between Jan. 3 and Jan. 24 and were sold primarily in retail stores across eight states: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Rhode Island.
Authorities collected samples of the product earlier last month and test results confirmed the presence of Salmonella. On Jan. 27, the FDA notified Blue Ridge about the contamination, leading to the recall.
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“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,” the company said.
“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.”
Blue Ridge urged customers who have already bought the recalled item to either return it to the place of purchase or destroy the products in a way that pets, children, or wildlife cannot access it.
The company warned against selling or donating the food items and recommended consumers wash and sanitize all related bowls, storage containers, and cups. After handling the recalled product or utensils that came into contact with the item, people must wash and sanitize their hands, it said.
Consumers with queries can get in touch with Blue Ridge at 704-873-2072.
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Blue Ridge has pulled its pet foods from the market multiple times in recent months …