Blue Ridge Beef, based in Statesville, North Carolina, has issued a voluntary recall of specific lots of its Kitten Mix and specific lots of its Puppy Mix due to potential Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) contamination. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious infections in animals and humans, especially those in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Listeria is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Background
The problem was discovered after reports that customers’ had become ill. Samples were collected by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets on March 20, 2025. The company said it was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture on April 1, 2025 that the products had tested positive for both Salmonella and Listeria. Pet foods that carry salmonella or listeria can easily infect human caretakers either directly OR indirectly through contact with their pet’s feces.
Distribution
The products were distributed primarily to retail stores in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.
Product Details
- Product – Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix
- Size – 2 lb frozen log
- Lot Number – N25 1230
- Quantity Recalled – 1,380 lbs
- Product – Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix
- Size – 2 lb frozen log
- Not Number – N26 0114
- Quantity Recalled – 1,080 lbs
- Distribution Dates – January 3, 2025 to January 24, 2025
Consumer Action
Consumers should check their freezers for the recalled products. As with all food recalls, consumers are strongly advised to discontinue use of the affected products even if they look or smell safe to eat. Anyone in possession of the recalled products is requested to not sell, serve, donate, or distribute them. Consumers should thoroughly sanitize any surface, utensils, pet food bowls, or containers that have come into contact with the salmonella or listeria impacted product. Consumers can return the recalled items to the point of purchase or should dispose of them and ensure that they are inaccessible to humans, children, pets, and wildlife. Consumers with additional questions or concerns can contact the company by phone at 704-873-2072 or via email at [email protected] from Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm EST
Health Risks
The recall notice said there have been reports of animal illnesses connected to the recalled products but did not say if there have been any reported illnesses or injuries in humans in association with the consumption of the recalled pet food. However, any consumers who are experiencing symptoms after contact with the affected product should contact their medical provider. Pet owners should contact their veterinarian if their pet has consumed any of the recalled food, whether they are displaying symptoms or not.
Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, appearing six hours to six days after exposure to the bacteria. While most people recover without specific treatment, the infection can be severe, especially for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Pets infected with Salmonella can show symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, and vomiting. Some pets might only display a reduced appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Even if they appear healthy, infected pets can still carry the bacteria and spread it to other animals or humans.
In humans, Listeria infection symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, aches, fever, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to meningitis and other life-threatening conditions. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
While Listeria infections in pets are rare, they can manifest as mild to severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, and various nervous, muscular, and respiratory symptoms. In extreme cases, it can lead to miscarriage, depression, shock, and death. Importantly, infected pets may not show symptoms but can still act as carriers, potentially spreading the bacteria to humans and other animals in the household.
Commenting on this story, the nation’s leading Salmonella lawyer said, “Salmonella and Listeria infections in both humans and pets can be extremely dangerous. Listeria can be especially dangerous to certain people and can lead to death. I advise consumers in possession of these recalled products to be extremely cautious because they are contaminated with two different pathogens.”
