Warning to Dog Owners: Dog Food Recall Affects 7 States – Check Now!
Dog owners in seven states have been warned about a potential health risk after a popular puppy food brand was found to be contaminated with salmonella.
Blue Ridge Beef announced a recall on Monday for its 2-pound packages of Puppy Mix due to the presence of harmful bacteria. The recalled dog food comes in frozen logs and is labeled as “natural pet food.” It is advised that owners “keep frozen until ready for use.”
The recall affects customers in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
The affected product was distributed from August 6 to August 23. If you have this product, check for the UPC number “854298001696” and either the lot numbers “08/06/N25” or “08/16/N25.”
Salmonella is a serious concern as it can harm pets and humans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that animals eating the contaminated food may become sick, showing signs like lethargy, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, fever, and decreased appetite.
Salmonella can also spread from infected pets to humans, especially if people do not wash their hands properly after handling the food or touching surfaces that come into contact with it.
Pets that consume the recalled Puppy Mix may also carry the bacteria and infect other pets or humans. If your pet is showing symptoms and has eaten the recalled food, you are urged to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Blue Ridge Beef advises pet owners not to allow any animals to eat the recalled food or donate it to others. Instead, the company requests customers return the product to the store where they purchased it or dispose of it carefully, making sure it’s out of reach of children, pets, and wildlife.
The recall was initiated after the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported that a group of puppies became ill after eating the affected food. However, it is still unclear whether there have been other cases linked to this recall.
Salmonella is a significant public health concern, as it can affect most animals, including pets like dogs and cats.
These pets may act as “carriers,” shedding the bacteria and potentially infecting people who live with them. While dogs and cats may not show symptoms, they can still spread the bacteria to humans, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Salmonella infection in humans, called salmonellosis, is one of the leading causes of food poisoning in the United States. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever, which typically appear six hours to six days after exposure.
In severe cases, particularly in young children, the elderly, or individuals with weak immune systems, the infection may cause joint pain and nervous system problems. While rare, severe cases can be fatal.
If you have any of the recalled puppy food, it’s important to take immediate action to protect both your pets and your family from this health risk.
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