5,700 pounds of dog food recalled over risk of salmonella – what to know

STATESVILLE, N.C. - More than 5,000 pounds of natural dog food has been recalled over the risk of salmonella contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 

The FDA said in a notice dated Jan. 31 that the recalled Blue Ridge Beef 2-pound log Natural Mix was distributed throughout the month of January, primarily in retail stores across eight states. 

FILE - Jack Russell puppies eat from a food bowl (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)

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Natural dog food recalled over salmonella risk

What we know:

The FDA notice said that samples of the product were collected on Jan. 8 by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and tested positive for Salmonella. The dog food products were distributed between Jan. 3 and Jan. 24 in retail stores in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York State, Tennessee, and Rhode Island, according to the FDA. 

The 2-pound log Natural Mix is packaged in clear plastic. It has the Lot No. N25/12/31, which is stamped on the clips on the end of the bags, and the UPC code 854298001054.

A separate recall was issued by Blue Ridge Beef in December for 2-pound logs of the raw pet food company’s Puppy Mix.

By the numbers:

5,700 pounds of the pet food have been recalled.

Why you should care:

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products, and the FDA notice states how there is also a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products – especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands afterward. 

Pets with salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only a decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain, the notice said.

In humans, salmonella infections can also cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. In rare cases, the bacterial infections can be fatal.

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What they're saying:

"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," the FDA said.

What's next:

 If a pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, the FDA advised pet owners to contact their veterinarian. Consumers who have purchased the product were also urged to return to the place of purchase or throw it away. For more information contact blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com or 704-873-2072.