At a Glance
- Blue Ridge Beef recalls tainted pet food
- 2,460 pounds impacted across 9 states
- Products contain Salmonella and Listeria
- FDA urges disposal and sanitizing measures
- Infections pose danger to both pets and people
Body Text
Pet owners across nine states are scrambling after Blue Ridge Beef announced a voluntary recall of its “Puppy Mix” and “Kitten Mix” pet food due to contamination with two dangerous bacteria: Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall affects approximately 2,460 pounds of raw pet food packaged in two-pound logs, distributed between January 3 and January 24, 2025, in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the contamination poses serious health risks to both animals and humans.
Watch Cleveland.com’s report on the incident at Popular Pet Food Recall Issued After Dangerous Contaminants Found.
The issue came to light after the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets tested samples from a consumer complaint about sick animals. On March 20, 2025, both Salmonella and Listeria were detected in the samples. Blue Ridge Beef was notified on April 1 and quickly initiated a voluntary recall to limit exposure.
Contamination and Risk
The recalled products are identified by the following lot numbers, printed on metal clips at the ends of the packaging: Lot #N25 1230 for “Puppy Mix” and Lot #N26 0114 for “Kitten Mix.” Consumers are urged to dispose of these products immediately and to sanitize any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with them.
Infections caused by Salmonella and Listeria can be severe. Pets may experience lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or decreased appetite. For humans, especially those with weakened immune systems, symptoms may include nausea, abdominal cramps, fever, and even serious conditions like arterial infections or endocarditis if left untreated.
Manufacturer Response and Next Steps
Blue Ridge Beef emphasized its commitment to pet safety, stating that the recall was a precautionary measure taken as soon as the contamination was confirmed. The company encourages customers to return affected products to the place of purchase or to contact them directly at [email protected] or 704-873-2072 during business hours.
The FDA’s alert includes a stern reminder that handling raw pet food requires caution and hygiene. Thorough handwashing and sanitization of surfaces can help prevent the spread of these bacteria to humans and other animals in the home.
This incident adds to growing concerns over food safety in the raw pet food industry. With recalls becoming more frequent, veterinarians and public health officials are urging pet owners to stay vigilant, regularly check recall notices, and report any adverse reactions to the FDA’s consumer complaint coordinator in their state.
