Pet Food and Cheddar Cheese Recalled Over Bacterial Contamination Concerns

Two companies are pulling food products from the market due to concerns that these items may harbor pathogens that could endanger both pets and humans.

The recall from Blue Ridge pertains to products distributed between July 18 and July 26, 2024. These items were primarily sold through retail outlets in six states: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.

According to the FDA, “Salmonella can affect animals consuming the products.” Symptoms in pets with Salmonella infections may include lethargy, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may only exhibit a reduced appetite, fever, and abdominal discomfort.

“Healthy pets that are infected can carry the bacteria and transmit it to other animals or humans. If your pet has ingested the recalled product and exhibits these symptoms, please consult your veterinarian.”

Individuals handling contaminated pet food risk infection, particularly if they do not wash their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with the affected items, the FDA warned.

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Blue Ridge initiated the recall following a report from a customer about an incident involving animal health complications. Officials took a sample of the product, which confirmed the presence of salmonella.

The company has requested consumers who purchased the affected item to return it to the retailer or to dispose of it to prevent access by pets, other animals, or children.

Meanwhile, Abbey’s recall affects “Cheddar Nettle & Chive” and “Cheddar Tomato & Herb” products packaged in 5.2 oz sizes and marketed under the “Wicklow Gold” brand.

The FDA warned that listeria contamination in these products “can lead to serious and sometimes lethal infections in young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.”

“While healthy individuals may experience only mild, short-lived symptoms like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, Listeria infections can also lead to miscarriages or stillbirths in pregnant women.”

The products were distributed across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Colorado. Retailers who received these items have been alerted about the contamination risks and removed the products from their shelves.

Abbey has stated that no adverse events connected to consumption of the affected products have been reported so far. They have urged customers to either discard the items or return them for a full refund.

According to the poll, only 57 percent of participants expressed a “great deal” or “fair amount” of trust in the federal government to safeguard the food supply, marking a “record low.” This figure represents an 11 percent decline since a similar poll conducted in 2019.

“A notable decline in confidence is observed among parents of young children, with only 49 percent expressing confidence in the government’s assurances regarding food safety, down from 67 percent in 2019,” noted Gallup.

The proposed agency will operate under the Department of Health and Human Services and aims to consolidate existing FDA food programs, including the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and the Office of Food Policy and Response.

This initiative has garnered support from various advocacy organizations, including Consumer Reports and STOP Foodborne Illnesses.

“I strongly believe we need a centralized food safety agency dedicated to ensuring the safety of our food supply,” remarked Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), one of the legislators who introduced the measure, at the time.

“Establishing a dedicated food safety agency could help prevent avoidable product contaminations and subsequent recalls that disrupt the supply chain, hike prices, and often lead to consumer illness and even fatalities.”