A North Carolina dog food company is voluntarily recalling 9,600 pounds of dog food sold in seven states due to salmonella contamination, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday.
Blue Ridge Beef recalled its two-pound chubs of frozen Puppy Mix distributed and sold in retail stores from Aug. 6 to Aug. 23 in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York State, the recall notice stated.
The impacted items were packaged in clear plastic logs and the lot numbers are stamped on the clips on the end of the bags, the company said. The recalled products are marked with the UPC number 854298001696 and one of two lot numbers: #08/06/N25 or 08/16/N25.
The issue was discovered after a customer alerted the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that their litter of puppies had become ill, the FDA stated. On Nov. 27, the FDA notified the company that the products had tested positive for salmonella.
Pets who have eaten food contaminated with salmonella can appear lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting, according to the FDA. Some animals might also exhibit decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.
The agency advises owners to contact a veterinarian if their pets have consumed the affected product and exhibit the symptoms described above.
“Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans,” the FDA said.
Humans can also be at risk of contracting salmonella from handling contaminated pet products or touching any surfaces exposed to the affected item, and not thoroughly washing their hands afterward, the FDA said.
Healthy people infected with salmonella may experience symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever, the FDA wrote. In rare instances, humans infected with salmonella can suffer more severe ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms.
The FDA urged consumers who have purchased the contaminated products to return them to the place of purchase or to destroy the food in such a manner that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access it. Pet owners are advised by the agency to wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers, and to wash and sanitize their hands after handling the recalled products or any utensils that come in contact with them.
For more information, consumers can email the company at [email protected] or call 704-873-2072.