Recalled Pet Food Sold in Tennessee May Be Contaminated with Two Types of Bacteria

A North Carolina company is recalling more than 2,000 pounds of pet food due to contamination with two types of potentially dangerous bacteria sold in nine states, including Tennessee.

Reported Pet Illness Resulted in Lab Testing of Recalled Food

The affected products were tested by a lab after a customer complaint of an animal illness. The samples were confirmed to be contaminated with both salmonella and listeria - two bacteria that can cause serious health concerns for pets as well as people.

Pet Food Confirmed to Be Contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria

Salmonella and listeria infections can cause severe symtpoms in pets including lethargy, diarrhea with or without blood present, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite and a painful abdomen. However, not all animals produce symptoms once infected.

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Even Without Symptoms Pets Can Infect Other Animals and Humans

Asymptomatic animals infected with salmonella or listeria can still infect other animals and humans. If you notice any of the symptoms above in your pet, contact your veterinarian.

Salmonella and Listeria can affect animals eating the products and there is 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 surfaces exposed to these products.

Human Symptoms of Salmonella and Listeria Infection

For humans, symptoms of salmonella and listeria infection may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea with or without blood present, fever, and stomach cramps. In severe cases both bacteria are capable of causing "arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms." If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare professional.

Blue Ridge Beef Recalls More Than 2,000 Pounds of Pet Food

The products were manufactured by the brand Blue Ridge Beef. Included in the recall are 1,380 pounds of Puppy Mix sold in 2 pound logs and marked with lot # N25 1230, as well as 1,080 pounds of Kitten Mix sold in 2 pound logs and marked with lot # N26 0114.

What To Do If You Have Recalled Blue Ridge Beef Products at Home

Consumers who have these products at home should return them to the point of purchase or destroy them. However, if destroying the products at home, it is imperative that it be done in a way to ensure that children, pets, or wildlife are able to come in contact with the products.

Take Additional Precautions To Avoid Spreading Bacteria

Additionally, consumers are warned to wash and sanitize any bowls, cups, utinsels, or storage containers that may have come in contact with the contaminated food. For questions or concerns, you can email blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or call them at 704-873-2072 during business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST.

[SOURCE: FDA]