Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,080 pounds of their 2-pound Kitten Mix (Lot # N26 0114) and 1,380 pounds of their 2-pound Puppy Mix (Lot # N25 1230) because of contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was initiated after a customer reported animal illness, prompting testing that confirmed the presence of both pathogens.
The issue was identified when the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets collected samples on March 20, 2025, following a customer complaint. On April 1, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture notified Blue Ridge Beef that the products tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria. The affected products were distributed between Jan. 3 and Jan. 24, 2025, in clear plastic packaging, primarily sold in retail stores across Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Salmonella and Listeria can pose serious risks to animals consuming the products and to humans handling them, particularly if hands are not thoroughly washed after contact with the products or contaminated surfaces. Pets with Salmonella or Listeria infections may exhibit lethargy, diarrhea (possibly bloody), fever, vomiting, decreased appetite or abdominal pain. Infected but asymptomatic pets can act as carriers, potentially spreading the bacteria to other animals or humans. Pet owners whose animals show these symptoms after consuming the recalled products should contact a veterinarian.
Recalled products:
Blue Ridge Beef Puppy Mix
Size: 2 lb
Lot Number: N25 1230
Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Mix
Size: 2 lb
Lot Number: N26 0114
As of the posting of this recall, no confirmed human illnesses have been reported.
Lot numbers are stamped on the clips at the end of the packaging. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase or destroy them in a way that prevents access by children, pets or wildlife.
Do not feed the recalled products to pets or other animals, and avoid selling or donating them. Pet owners should wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, storage containers and their hands after handling the recalled items or any utensils that may have come into contact with them.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has handled the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should inform their doctors about possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria, as special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to contaminated food. Healthy adults are typically sick for four to seven days. In some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that hospitalization is required. Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some individuals may become infected without showing symptoms but can still spread the bacteria to others.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has handled the recalled products and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and inform their doctors about possible Listeria exposure.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses. It can take up to 70 days after exposure for symptoms of listeriosis to develop, so individuals should monitor themselves in the weeks following potential exposure.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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