Pet Food Panic: Salmonella & Listeria Spark Major Dog, Kittens Food Recall

Recently, an outbreak of salmonella in several kinds of dog foods resulted in six infants becoming hospitalized. This week, another pet food recall has been initiated due to salmonella and listeria risk.

Recalled Dog and Kittens Food Products

(Photo : Pexels/MART PRODUCTION)

Salmonella and listeria contamination has caused Blue Ridge Beef to recall specific 2-pound Kitten Grind, Kitten Mix, and Puppy Mix logs. On Friday, Dec.15, the company was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that one batch of each product had been inspected and tested positive for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

The pet food products were distributed to the customers from Tuesday, Nov. 14, to Wednesday, Dec. 20. These products were supplied in retail stores in the following states:

Connecticut
Massachusetts
Maryland
North Carolina
New York
Pennsylvania
Virginia

All of the lots that have used-by dates that fall between N24 1124 and N24 1224 are being recalled by the company. On the silver tabs positioned at the very end of the tubes, you will see the lot numbers and the dates that they should be used.

Moreover, food for pets that have been recalled should not be sold or donated. All animals, including pets, should not be given the recalled product to consume. Pet food storage containers, bowls, and cups should be reportedly cleaned and sanitized.

Signs You Have a Salmonella or Listeria Infection

Handling infected pet goods can expose humans to Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, especially if they have not thoroughly cleansed their hands. The appearance, odor, and flavor of food contaminated with Salmonella pathogens do not typically indicate spoilage.

However, with a Salmonella infection, everybody has the potential to become ill. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals with fragile immune systems, such as infants, children, older adults, and persons with impaired immune systems, are at a higher risk of serious illness.

Professionals suggest thoroughly washing one's hands and wiping any surfaces that come into contact with items contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria. Nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea are some symptoms individuals experience when infected with these pathogenic microorganisms.

The CDC recommends you should seek medical attention if you are experiencing diarrhea and a temperature that is higher than 102 degrees or when you have been experiencing diarrhea for a long time and it is not improving.

Accordingly, infections with Salmonella that are more severe can cause a variety of symptoms, including arterial infections, arthritis, eye irritation, inflammation of the ear, kidney and urinary tract issues, and muscle discomfort.

On the other hand, headaches, stiff necks, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures may be seen in more severe cases of listeria infection, also known as listeriosis. As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), listeriosis can be fatal for people who are incredibly young, elderly, or immune-compromised.