Blue Ridge Beef is recalling its frozen, raw turkey pet food from retailers in four states because it a poses a danger to people and their animals because of possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

“This recall was initiated with FDA inspection and sampling of the product,” according to the company’s recall notice posted on the Food and Drug ADministration’s website.

“Listeria can affect animals eating the product and 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.”

The only Blue Ridge Beef product implicated in the recall is the company’s 2-pound chub of “turkey with bone.” Consumers can identify the recalled chubs by looking for the following manufacturing codes on the label:

• Lot #103;
• M.F.D. 12/7/16; and
• UPC number 854298001887.

The Eatonton, GA, Blue Ridge Beef production plant distributed the recalled frozen turkey dog food to retailers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

“Consumers who have purchased the above lot of turkey for dogs 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,” according to the recall notice.

Anyone who has handled the Blue Ridge Beef frozen “turkey with bone” dog food and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctors about the possible exposure to the pathogen.

It can take up to 70 days for symptoms of Listeria infection to develop after exposure. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, children and people with compromised immune systems.

Anyone who has had the recalled product in their homes is urged to clean and sanitize any containers or utensils that may have come into contact with the Blue Ridge Beef “turkey with bone” dog food. Listeria monocytogenes can live on surfaces and survive freezing temperatures.