Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Food Recall – Kitten Deaths Reported

Blue Ridge Beef of Eatonton, GA, is recalling lot#GA1102 of Kitten Grind raw pet food because it may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This recall was initiated after the FDA received a complaint of two kitten deaths, including one death which was confirmed to be caused by Salmonella septicemia. Subsequent testing by the FDA of Kitten Grind Lot#GA1102 revealed the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product is sold in frozen 2-lb. chubs and was distributed in Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. The affected product is distinguished by the following manufacturing codes:

Kitten Grind
Lot# GA1102 (found on metal clips, as pictured above)
Manufacturing date: 11/02/2017

Salmonella and Listeria can cause severe and potentially fatal infection in both the animals consuming the pet food, and the humans that handle the pet food.  There is 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 surface exposed to these products. Pets can be carriers of the bacteria and infect humans, even if the pets do not appear to be ill. Once Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes gets established in the pet’s gastrointestinal tract, the animal can shed the bacteria when it has a bowel movement, and the contamination will continue to spread.

Groups at high risk for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes include the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and certain chronic medical conditions (such as cancer), and pregnant women. Healthy people infected with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes should monitor themselves and their pets for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product or pets that have consumed this product should contact their healthcare provider. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian if their pet shows symptoms.

Those who have purchased the above lot of Kitten Grind are urged to stop feeding it and return product to the place of purchase for a full refund, or dispose of the product immediately. Those with questions can email the company at blueridgebeefga@yahoo.com.

See the full FDA Alert for this recall HERE.