The recall was initiated after samples collected and tested by the FDA showed positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled lot was sold to the following states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

The affected product is sold in two-pound chubs that are frozen and are distinguished by the manufacturing information: Blue Ridge Beef (BRB) Complete (which is a dog food) with a lot number of #GA0131, and a manufacturing date of 01/31/2018. The packaging of the product and the location of the lot number is pictured with the location of the clips on each end of the chub can be viewed on the FDA website.

There is no notice of the recall on Blue Ridge Beef’s website.

KITTENS DIE

The last Blue Ridge raw pet food recall was triggered after two kittens died after being fed their raw kitten pet food. Knowing that young pets are much more likely to become ill from pathogenic bacteria it is concerning that the company would make and sell such a pet food.

This last recall was initiated after the FDA received a complaint of two kitten deaths, including one death which was confirmed to be caused by Salmonella septicemia. Subsequent testing by the FDA of their raw kitten pet food revealed the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

ABOUT PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

When you, your family members, or your pets touch or eat raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and egg products that has been improperly cooked – whether the meat is intended for you or your pet – there’s a risk for getting sick from pathogenic bacteria. It’s that simple. It’s a risk. A risk that you have to decide whether you are willing to take.

Why? Because quite simply, pathogenic bacteria can cause severe and potentially fatal infection in both the animals consuming the pet food and the humans that handle the pet food.  There is a 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 surface exposed to these products. Pets can be carriers of the bacteria and infect humans, even if the pets do not appear to be ill. Once the bacteria gets established in the pet’s gastrointestinal tract, the animal can shed the bacteria when it has a bowel movement, and the contamination will continue to spread.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

You are encouraged to check the clips of product to ensure that you don’t have the affected lot #GA0131. If you did buy the above lot of BRB Complete raw dog food are urged to stop feeding it to your dog and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them immediately. If you have questions, you can contact the company through their website or email them at blueridgebeefga@yahoo.com. Sorry, no phone numbers are available.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the FDA.

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT FOODBORNE DISEASE IN PETS? THERE’S HELP

If you want to know more about Salmonella visit the FDA website or find out about Salmonella Infection (Salmonellosis) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you want to know more about Listeria visit the FDA website or find out about Listeria Infection (Listeriosis) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you have questions about the food your pets eat or about foodborne illness in animals, call FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine at 240-402-7002 or email AskCVM@fda.hhs.gov.

If you have questions about foodborne disease, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or go to Contact CDC-INFO.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH PET FOOD

If you believe your pet has become ill from consuming a pet food, please provide the FDA with valuable information by reporting it electronically through their Safety Reporting Portal or call your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator.

If you and your veterinarian think a pet food or treat is the source of a problem – save it – because your state agricultural or veterinary diagnostic lab may want to do testing. If you need more help, find out how to report a pet food complaint to the FDA.

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