Blue Ridge Beef is voluntarily recalling one lot of its BRB Complete raw pet food because it may be contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Tests conducted by the FDA were positive for both types of pathogenic bacteria. No consumer or pet illnesses have been reported to date in association with this product.
The recalled product is BRB Complete raw pet food, with lot number GA0131 and manufacturing date 01/31/2018. It was sold in two pound frozen chubs. The product was sold in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Salmonella and Listeria can cause serious and potentially fatal illnesses in animals that eat the food, and humans that handle the food and come into contact with the pets. People are at risk if they don’t wash their hands well after coming into contact with the robust or any surface that is exposed to these products.
Pets can be carriers of the bacteria and make people sick, even if the animals don’t seem ill. Once Salmonella or Listeria monocytogenes is established in the animal’s GI trace, the animal can shed the bacteria in feces, spreading the contamination.
Symptoms of a Salmonella and Listeria infections in pets can range from lethargy and fever, to bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms of a Salmonella infection in people include fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that may be bloody. Symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes food poisoning in people include high ever, severe headache, stiff neck, muscle stiffness, nausea, and diarrhea. Pregnant women need to be especially careful of listeriosis, since it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature labor. If you pet is experiencing these symptoms, or anyone in your family is, see the appropriate medical professional.
If you have this product in your home, do not feed it to your pet. Stop feeding it immediately, even if you pet has eaten some and has not gotten sick. Return the product to the place of purchase, or throw it away in a secure garbage can.
It’s a good idea to clean out your freezer or refrigerator with a mild bleach solution to kill any bacteria. And wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the food and after cleaning.
