Blue Ridge Beef of Eatonton, GA, is recalling lot#GA1102 of Kitten Grind raw pet food because of the potential of contamination with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.

The cause of the recall:

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.

About Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes:

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. Consumers should also follow the simple handling tips on the package.

The lot contains 20 cases or 300 chubs of product and would affect the following states:

Texas Georgia South Carolina Tennessee North Carolina

The affected product is sold in two pound chubs that are frozen and are distinguished by the manufacturing codes:

Kitten Grind Lot# GA1102 Manufacturing date: 11/02/2017

The packaging of the product and the location of the lot number is pictured below with the location of the clips on each end of the chub.

What to do:

Consumers are encouraged to check the clips of product to ensure that they possess the affected lot#GA1102. Those who have purchased the above lot of Kitten Grind are urged to stop feeding them and return products to the place of purchase for a full refund or dispose of them immediately. Those with questions can email the company at blueridgebeefga@yahoo.com.

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration.

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