Raw Pet Food Recalled After Salmonella Detected in Product

Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, NC, is recalling their Breeders Choice 2# log dog food Lot# 8/2/24 UPC 8 54298 00193 1 due to Salmonella contamination. On October 27, 2023, the firm was notified by the Food & Drug Administration that the dog food test positive for Salmonella.  The website mentions HPP, so it may be assumed that HPP (high pressure processing) is used a pathogen reduction step.

The company, affiliated with Lea-Way Farms, was issued a Warning Letter in June of 2020 by FDA.
An article in Pet Food Processing (2020) summarizes this report,  "The FDA reported violations to Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) requirements, including failure to properly inspect and handle raw materials, as well as unsanitary conditions in several areas of the plant.

Specifically, the FDA cited the use of raw animal ingredients “…that have died otherwise than by slaughter… without first determining whether the animals suffered any type of illness, injury, and/or whether any medications may have been administered to the animals prior to your pick up from the supplier…” The agency also observed the potential for contamination on the facility’s kill floor, grinder/mixing room, in the cooler, and in its overhead conveying rails between the kill floor, cooler room and processing area."

Within the 2020 FDA investigation report, it states: "During our inspection, FDA collected final product and raw ingredient samples for microbiological samples. Sample #1098421 consisted of an in-process sample of raw ground beef intended to be used as an ingredient in your firm’s finished product. This sample was found to be positive for Salmonella London Group B1 and generic E. coli. Sample #1098422 of a finished product sample of Blue Ridge Beef Raw Kitten Grind was found positive for Salmonella Agona Group B and Listeria"

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/blue-ridge-beef-issues-voluntary-recall-breeders-choice-2-dog-food-due-salmonella-health-risk
Blue Ridge Beef Issues Voluntary Recall of Breeders Choice 2# Dog Food Due to Salmonella Health Risk
Summary

Company Announcement Date:

October 27, 2023
FDA Publish Date:  October 27, 2023
Product Type:  Animal & Veterinary  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Salmonella contamination
Company Name:  Blue Ridge Beef
Brand Name:  Blue Ridge Beef
Product Description:  Breeders Choice Raw Pet Food 2 lb

Company Announcement

STATESVILLE, NC – OCTOBER 27, 2023 – Blue Ridge Beef is recalling their Breeders Choice 2# log dog food Lot# 8/2/24 UPC 8 54298 00193 1 due to Salmonella contamination. On October 27, 2023, the firm was notified by the Food & Drug Administration that the dog food test positive for Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is 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. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.




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.




No illnesses have been reported to date.




The product was distributed between 8/9/2023 and 8/25/2023. This product was packaged in clear plastic and sold primarily in retail stores located in the following States: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Image of product below:




Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to contact Blue Ridge Beef directly at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund 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. Consumers with questions may contact Mr. Steven Lea at (704) 880-4500 Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST.




This is a voluntary recall being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.