Dog Food Recalled In RI For Salmonella Contamination

RHODE ISLAND — Blue Ridge Beef has recalled 5,700 pounds of dog food sold in Rhode Island and other states, due to salmonella contamination, according to the RI Department of Health (RIDOH).

RIDOH officials said the product recalled was Blue Ridge Beef's two-pound logs of Natural Mix. The recalled products have the lot number N25/12/31. Lot numbers are stamped in the clips on the end of the bags. The products also have the UPC number 854298001054.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products. There is also 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 surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. RIDOH officials said consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should call their doctor.

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, call your veterinarian.

State health officials said samples of the product were collected on Jan. 25 by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and tested by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Food and Drug Protection Laboratory. The product tested positive for salmonella.

On Jan. 27, the firm was notified by the FDA that the product tested positive for salmonella.

These products were distributed between Jan. 3 and Jan. 24, health officials said. The product is packaged in clear plastic and was sold primarily in retail stores in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York State, Tennessee, and Rhode Island.

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 it.

For more information, email blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or call 704-873-2072.

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