Recalled puppy, kitten food sold in Florida. Here's what you should do

Blue Ridge Beef is recalling kitten and puppy food "out of an abundance of caution" after one lot of each of the products tested positive for salmonella and listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Florida is among the states where recalled pet food was sold.

Here's what you should know.

What is Blue Ridge Beef?

Blue Ridge Beef describes itself as a company that sells natural, raw pet food for cats and dogs.

"Our 100% pure raw pet food, is selected and designed for health and nutrition," the company said on its website, adding it has been providing raw pet food for more than 40 years.

What pet food did Blue Ridge Beef recall?

Kitten Grind

• 2-pound log

• UPC: 8 54298 00101 6

• Lot #/Use by dates: N24 1114 to N24 1224

Kitten Mix

• 2-pound log

• UPC: 8 54298 00243 6

• Lot #/Use by dates: N24 1114 to N24 1224

Puppy Mix

• 2-pound log

• UPC: 8 54298 00169 6

• Lot #/Use by dates: N24 1114 to N24 1224

Why was the Blue Ridge pet food recalled?

Blue Ridge was notified by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that one lot of each of the products were sampled and tested positive for salmonella and listeria monocytogenes, the FDA reported.

Have any pets or people gotten sick?

No illnesses have been reported to date, according to the FDA.

Where was the recalled pet food sold?

The recalled pet food was distributed between Nov. 14 and Dec. 20 and sold primarily in retail stores located in the states of:

• Florida

• Connecticut

• Iowa

• Ilinois

• Massachusetts

• Maryland

• Michigan

• North Carolina

• New York

• Ohio

• Oregon

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• Tennessee

• Virginia

• Wisconsin

How could the recalled pet food affect people?

Salmonella and listeria monocytogenes can affect not only the animals eating the food but the people handling it.

There is a risk for people who handle contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having touching the food or any surfaces exposed to these products, the FDA said.

Salmonella symptoms to watch for in people

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea

• Abdominal cramping

• Fever

More serious symptoms include arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers were advised to contact their healthcare providers if they show signs of these symptoms.

What symptoms could pets show after eating contaminated food?

Pets with salmonella and listeria infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.

Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.

If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

What else can you do if your pet ate the recalled food?

Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers.

Make sure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils that came in contact with the recalled food.

Can you get a refund if you bought the Blue Ridge pet food?

Consumers who purchased the recalled products are advised to contact Blue Ridge Beef at blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund.

You should also destroy the food in a way to keep it away from children, pets, and wildlife. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals.

Consumers with questions may contact Steven Lea at 704-880-4500 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Blue Ridge Beef recalls kitten, puppy food salmonella, listeria