Blue Ridge Beef has recalled 1,350 lbs. of their 2 1b log Kitten Mix due to Salmonella contamination.

The recalled product is identified as Blue Ridge Beef brand Kitten Mix (2-lb log; Lot #N25-0716; UPC 854298001436). The product was sold primarily in retail stores in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania. Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York

Blue Ridge Beef initiated the voluntary recall after being notified by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources (MDAR) that the State Public Health Laboratory had found Salmonella in a sample of the product.

The MDAR collected a sample of the product on December 12, 2024, after receiving a consumer complaint about an animal illness.

This is the second Blue Ridge Beef recall triggered by pet illnesses in just over a month. On December 2, 2024, the company recalled  9,600 lbs of Puppy Mix (2-lb logs) after a litter of puppies became ill.

The puppies’ owner reported the illnesses to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Testing revealed the product to be contaminated with Salmonella. The company initiated a recall after being notified of the test result by the FDA.

Since 2018, Blue Ridge Beef has initiated six separate recalls of its raw pet food products, after either a state laboratory or the FDA found Salmonella and, in some cases Listeria monocytogenes, in samples of the products.

In June 2020, the FDA issued a formal Warning Letter to Lea-Way Farms, Inc. (dba Blue Ridge Beef) after an inspection of the raw pet food production facility revealed “significant violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Foods for Animals regulation.”

The company was inspected again in August 2021, and the results of the inspection were classified “Official Action Indicated.” Yet, there has been no subsequent Warning Letter posted on the FDA website, and no indication of any additional enforcement actions taken.

What pet owners need to know

Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return to place of purchase or destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with recalled food. For more information contact blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or 704-873-2072.

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. 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.

“A complete and compelling account of the hidden and not-so-hidden ways the food we give our beloved pets can be contaminated.” – JoNel Aleccia, Health Reporter, Food & Nutrition, The Associated Press.

“An invaluable resource for busy pet owners” – Food Safety News

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