The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of Blue Ridge Beef dog food due to Salmonella contamination. The recall affects multiple states and follows a similar incident in late 2024. The contamination poses risks not only to pets but also to humans who handle the affected products.
Blue Ridge Beef is a pet food company specializing in raw pet food products, primarily catering to dog and cat owners who prefer natural, unprocessed diets for their pets. Founded with a focus on high-quality, protein-rich meals, the company has built a reputation among raw pet food advocates.
However, recent recalls have raised concerns about product safety and manufacturing processes. The company sources its ingredients from select providers and distributes its products across various states in the U.S., making its recalls a significant issue for many pet owners.
Key Takeaways
Blue Ridge Beef dog food has been recalled due to Salmonella contamination, posing risks to both pets and humans.
- A recall of 5,700 pounds of ‘Natural Mix’ dog food was issued on January 31, 2025, following the discovery of Salmonella.
- This is the second recall in recent months for Blue Ridge Beef, with a previous one involving ‘Puppy Mix’ dog food on December 2, 2024.
- Pet owners are advised to dispose of affected products and practice strict hygiene when handling raw pet food.
Recent recall of natural mix dog food
On January 31, 2025, Blue Ridge Beef issued a recall for 5,700 pounds of its ‘Natural Mix’ dog food due to potential Salmonella contamination. The affected product is sold in 2-pound logs with lot number N25/12/31 and UPC 854298001054. According to the FDA, the food was distributed between January 3 and January 24, 2025, in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Rhode Island.
🚨🇺🇸 DOG FOOD RECALL: SALMONELLA STRIKES AGAIN!
Blue Ridge Beef is recalling its 2-pound Natural Mix dog food in 8 states after it tested positive for salmonella.
The contaminated food was sold between January 3 and January 24 in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut,… pic.twitter.com/lzXsusn4rD
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 1, 2025
The recall was prompted after routine testing revealed the presence of Salmonella in the product. Both pets and humans are at risk of infection. Dogs that consume contaminated food may experience diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and lethargy.
Humans who handle food without proper hygiene measures may suffer from similar symptoms, including nausea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
This is the second recall in recent months involving Blue Ridge Beef. On December 2, 2024, the company recalled 9,600 pounds of its ‘Puppy Mix’ due to Salmonella contamination. The affected products were 2-pound logs with lot numbers 08/06/N25 and 08/16/N25, and UPC 854298001696. The food had been distributed between August 6 and August 23, 2024, in the same areas.
The contamination was discovered after a customer’s litter of puppies fell ill. Testing later confirmed the presence of Salmonella, prompting an immediate recall. The FDA urged pet owners to return or dispose of the affected products and thoroughly clean any surfaces or containers that had come into contact with the food.
Pet food safety regulations
The U.S. pet food industry follows strict regulations to protect animals and humans. The FDA oversees manufacturing, distribution, and recalls, working with state agencies to monitor contamination risks. Companies must recall products if they test positive for Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli.
Brands like Blue Ridge Beef are expected to follow safety protocols, including product testing and facility sanitation, but repeated recalls raise concerns about compliance. Experts urge stricter oversight and greater transparency to prevent future incidents.
Pet owners should stay informed on recalls, choose brands with strong safety records, and take precautions when handling raw pet food, such as using separate utensils and washing hands thoroughly.
Health risks and consumer guidance
Salmonella can cause serious infections in pets, leading to diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and lethargy. Severe cases may result in bloodstream infections and organ failure, especially in young, elderly, or immunocompromised pets.
The FDA urges pet owners to stop using recalled Blue Ridge Beef products, dispose of them safely, and disinfect all surfaces. Monitoring pets for symptoms and seeking veterinary care if needed is essential. Consumers can contact Blue Ridge Beef for refunds or replacements, and the company is working with health officials to prevent future issues.
