Well, that lack of an answer may be the answer you need. Just had a recall and kitten deaths, yet nothing about it on their website Blue Ridge Beef - rawpetfooddeliverymarket topic thread on the Dog Food Advisor message forum. I have been feeding my 6 cats raw for over 2 years. I switched him off of the junk puppy food the breeder weaned him on. Ive been hearing unflattering rumors about Blue Ridge Beef for a few months and when someone posted their thoughts in a raw feeding group on Facebook, I decided to do my own digging. I couldnt track the source of the rumors; I could only find discussions that usually started with someone asking about the brand and then eventually moving to everyone saying negative things. Your facility does not have plumbing designed, installed, and maintained to properly convey sewage and liquid disposable waste from the plant and to avoid being a source of contamination to animal food or creating an unsanitary condition as required by 21 CFR 507.20(b)(2) and (3). I, Kimberly Gauthier (owner), am a member of the following affiliate programs that provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by promoting and linking to online shopping sits: Chewy.com, Plant Therapy, CBD Dog Health, CannaPet, Darwins Pet, Raw Paws Pet Food,and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. I must say that BRB is very hard to find at times in my area and I use a grinder and buy my meats at the grocery store and make my own raw food. All boxes are frozen solid and you can hear the chubs rattling as you take the boxes off the truck. I mix this with NDF2 from Volhard Nutrition. We are also a dealer trust me, I would not sell anything I didnt think was good enough to feed to my own animals! Our foods are made up of the highest quality meats and bones. I find it impossible to fault BRB for being good business managers, entrepreneurs, and supportive farm-community members and problem-solvers. Filter. When confronted with the truthfullness of this subject, the statement and declarations were rescinded.http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/does-avma-aaha-support-this-in-pet-foods/ 342(a)(4)] and 21 CFR 507.1(a)(1), 2 Section 301(a) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. Phone Number. We strongly encourage the use of electronic registration because it will result in an automatic confirmation of registration and automatic issuance of a registration number. Have looked at your site and wish you all the best in your business. Cheers. (See section 402(a)(2)(C)(i) of the FD&C Act.). I know many pet stores who carry BRB products, however its not the choice they would make for their own dogsto each their own. Good grief. Melissa. Program Division Director, Office of Human and Animal Foods- Division III East , I follow the better-safe-than-sorry theory. )5 For more information about qualified facilities, see FDAs guidance, Determination of Status as a Qualified Facility Under Part 117: Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food and Part 507: Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals, at: https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-determination-status-qualified-facility. Thats such an amazing testimonial to raw. I also very much like Tuckers frozen and , sure the 8oz portioning is fab, but it also sends the price point way up! These proposed corrective actions included: You also indicated that you are researching methods to address pathogen contamination. Most companies DO buy 3D meat for their products. I am a blogger, and all information shared is based on my personal experience with my dogs and research about raw feeding, canine health, and canine nutrition. That for me is all I needed to see. Blue Ridge Beef I was trying to explain why this hasnt been done. Like you say. In the cooler, employees were observed performing sanitation procedures. The allergy business is frustrating. I had to throw it out. We did not observe these carcasses being rinsed before being rolled into the cooler area where the carcasses are further separated for pet food use., On the kill floor and in the cooler, carcasses were observed being dragged on the floors, dropping from the railing system onto the floors and being trimmed from the floors in these rooms., The cooler unit in the cooler room was observed to be in poor repair and dripping condensate directly into tubs of open, exposed beef leg bones, shanks, and neck bones used to manufacture pet food., And FDA states that Blue Ridge Beef pet food is not registered with the FDA as required by law. The people ARE hard to get a hold of when I want to place an order, which is very annoying! However, my one cat has the well earned nickname garbage can. Many thanks to Blue Ridge Beef for making it easy for me to feed raw. Salmonella and Listeria can affect animals eating the product. Environmental Trade Inc. - 553331 - 09/04/2018 | FDA That this is a raw food company makes it even more disgusting. Highly regulated. By Sam Howell Published on 8/18/2022 at 5:55 PM It's pretty stressful to find out a pet food recall has been issued on your BFF's usual dinner. As I do not form an opinion based on rumors just facts. Due to Rodrigos allergies, I have to be aware of all ingredients and where the meat was sourced. Labeling. Create new account. Specifically: 3. Big pet food brands make so much money, who cares that some of us arent buying their product anymore? All I could find are forum discussions about Blue Ridge Beef. But at the same time in the very same Warning Letter the FDA states this (bold added): As noted in our 2019 CVM update (https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-withdraws-outdated-compliance-policy-guides-use-certain-animal-derived-materials-animal-food), animal food that is the product of a diseased animal or an animal that has died other than by slaughter is adulterated under section 402(a)(5) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. He did not know where the materials were came from. Required fields are marked *. Instead of reading rumors about BRB, why dont look up what youre giving your dogs every time you apply frontline or give him heartguard. While we thank FDA for this one disclosure to a pet foods use of adulterated ingredients, we continue to question why FDA allows all pet foods (excluding Human Grade) to utilize adulterated ingredients with no warning or disclosure to pet owners. I have recently begun feeding my dog the Blue Ridge venison and rabbit. Glad I only bought 2 chubs. Why I Want to Know the Source of Proteins I can understand why Blue Ridge Beef wouldn't share the name and address of their sources. with what I experienced when trying it with my pup. The proof is in the top grade fresh lean meat. Since I whelped the dog (who has been on a natural home made diet all his life) I could assure him that the age was correct. My immediate thought was that either its in their contract or its simply not done in this industry. Blue Ridge Beef claims that their food is processed in their own USDA inspected human grade food facilities, It is perfectly legal (and very common) to use 3D/4D meat in pet food products, link to their USDA certification documentation on their website, Evangers canned dog food products were tested and found to contain horse meat and pentobarbital, as of March 5, 2018 the death of two kittens has been linked to their consumption of Blue Ridge Beef kitten grind, In July 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Lea-Way Farms, Inc. (dba Blue Ridge Beef), www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FoodFacilityRegistration/default.htm, https://www.fda.gov/downloads/AnimalVeterinary/GuidanceCompliance Enforcement/GuidanceforIndustry/UCM592870.pdf, Guidance for Industry: Determination of Status as a Qualified Facility, Second FDA Warning Letter To Sunshine Mills, FDA Shuts Down Bravo Packing (Not Bravo Pet Food), FDA Warning Letter Reveals Filthy Conditions At Pet Treat Facility. Lots of red tape. You can join her newsletter to become aware of what is currently happening or beware of. I feed it once a week, I want to feed more often, but I need to come up with a schedule so that I can plan to for orders and storage. As long as my dogs are doing well, I will wait for hard evidence, rather than unsubstantiated allegations. We will have four full days on the Parkway . I did reach out to the 3 representatives listed on the Blue Ridge Beef contact page (on their website) hoping to gain clarification of why they dont share their sources or ingredients. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Blue Ridge Beef Ground Chicken with Bone Mix. I find the lack of communication on their part to be very telling. FDA does not intend to enforce this requirement, if the animal food is not otherwise adulterated.. http://152.31.128.164/Departments/Planning/minutes/April2006pbminutes.pdf. Thank you for responding and blessings to you. Although this doesnt mean that all 3D meat is diseased, the fact that it could be diseased is what is of greatest concern to pet owners who are wondering about Blue Ridge Beef. We can do this anonymously and dont have to see the reaction to our words. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts, because youre right. FDA acknowledges that after our inspection the lot of Blue Ridge Beef Kitten Grind related to Sample #1098422 was voluntarily destroyed and the violative lot was not introduced into interstate commerce. There are no salesmen, no sales manager, no regional supervisors, no ordering dept, no customer service employees, etc. There are two formulas with meat/bone/organs called puppy mix and kitten mix. The Warning Letter to Blue Ridge Beef continues with many different concerning issues: On the kill floor, while employees removed hides from three cow carcasses, stomach contents and fecal matter were observed spilling over onto exposed carcasses. Testimonials of the benefit of raw pet food Blue Ridge Beef Wholesaler of meat - Beef, Pork, Lamb, and more. I work with several vets with our dogs and I am noticing that some are coming around and are interested in why so many people are exploring raw feeding. Specifically: 5. About Blue Ridge Beef raw pet foods Blue Ridge Beef Its not organic, not sustainably sourced, not fancy just meat. We did not observe these carcasses being rinsed before being rolled into the cooler area where the carcasses are further separated for pet food use. Hi. The product is not anything more raw meat, inclding ground organ and bones (unless its the bonesless one). They attend dog shows and trade shows and depend on word of mouth as their marketing and not TV or newspapers. and Listeria monocytogenes. Improving Environmental Testing Procedures: Proper labeling: Spray bottles containing toxic materials will be properly labeled. I have a Google Alert set up for raw feeding and daily see articles being published by veterinarians who are warning people against the dangers of the diet for dogs and humans. The question about the 4d meats was my fear and you have answered that.. When I read through the forum discussions, I have to admitthat if a brand wouldnt disclose their recipe (for proprietary reasons) or share where they source their foods beyond in the US. I would be less likely to buy from them, because of Rodrigo's sensitivities. Beyond that, there was no proof that this is the case. The FDA Warning Letter paints a different picture. We tell our new customers that we would never sell anything that we do not feed to our own dogs and cats. I have been having issue with Rabbit with bones. And I was careful to provide records, spoke with the vets before they did. Is this all just fear mongering and, as Blue Ridge Beef stated below, the work of internet bullies?. BRB only lists min. At least thats what my pet store owner told me. What's the Deal with Blue Ridge Beef? | Keep the Tail Wagging I want to thank Doyle (below) for posting link to planning meeting minutes. Many buyers are unaware of the dangers an ingredient in canned called carrageenan which is a known carcinogen. Pet food labeling is regulated at two levels. That is the ONLY issue I find. I wouldnt for humane food or animal food. PS, I feed raw to my animals (Im Vegan too), and have a degree in public and environmental health. The cause of the recall: On the kill floor, while employees removed hides from three cow carcasses, stomach contents and fecal matter were observed spilling over onto exposed carcasses. As a result of these violations, the pet food manufactured in your facility is adulterated in that it is prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have been become contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health.1 The introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of any food that is adulterated or misbranded is prohibited.2 You may find the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and FDAs regulations through links on the FDAs website at www.fda.gov. Blue Ridge Beef, Inc. - Facebook When it comes to family businesses and small business, the thought of people purposefully attacking them tear them down is unfathomable. 379j-31] authorizes FDA to assess and collect fees to cover FDAs costs for certain activities, including reinspection-related costs. is it organic? So many people who feed raw just go to walmart and get the cheapest foods, with no concern for GMOs, type of feed, living conditions, etc. Hi Kimberly, Articles may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent of Kimberly Gauthier [thats me!]. Remember that some digestive upset is normal during a transition. Fortunately there are enough common sense customers that realize these bullies attacks for what they really are, and business is going well. I agree that the BRB price point seems suspiciously low at first, however, there are a couple things that are a little different about BR. Its an exciting time for me. Email Address. I received one response and I did let them know that I would be publishing their responsein this blog post. Is it all rainbows and unicorns in the land of Blue Ridge Beef? They use motor oil, burning alcohol and or charcoal to make it unfit for human consumption. Blue Ridge Beef : r/rawpetfood - Reddit Pet Food is regulated by federal and state authorities. The repeated price increases have priced me out of this brand. I do not offer coaching or consultations. But heres the puzzlerif they cared so much, were so worried about the health of animals and the health of humans, I wonder why none of these veterinary organizations have a policy against. These national veterinary organizations must have clearly felt this policy was in the best interest of animal and human health to ignore so many. We made the switch to BR and have never looked back. No matter how I served it.. hed smell it and walk away. Blue Ridge Beef Warning Letter and other info! I thought that maybe this was due to privacy agreements and copyright/trademark laws. I feed the home made diet but she also offers a dry diet to which you add the meats ( I use this when traveling or when a dog sitter is in charge easier on all concerned). Raleigh NC 27699-1070, 1 Section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) [21 U.S.C. Click Here. A consumer never knows if the 3D meat came from a cow with a broken leg or who died giving birthor if it came from a cow filled with cancer or who was put down with a dose of Pentobarbital. Registration may be accomplished online at www.access.fda.gov. It started with finding BLUE COLORED Plastic or Metal pieces in rabbit with bone about 6 month ago. Thank you, Kimberly. But nothing. As noted in violation 2, the condition of your floors creates a niche for microbial activity that could contaminate the carcasses. December 10, 2016 Blue Ridge Beef is voluntarily recalling two (2) of its frozen products due to their potential to be contaminated with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes. Service Address (optional) Service City (optional) Service Zip (optional) Best Contact Availability. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection of your raw pet food manufacturing facility at 417 Garden Valley Road in Statesville, NC on September 30, 2019 through October 25, 2019. I have also read their product labels and nothing there either about GMO-free. Within fifteen working days of receipt of this letter, please notify this office in writing of the specific steps that you have taken to correct violations. For example, section 403(i)(1) and (2) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. I have fed green tripe from Blue Ridge Beef for over six years with excellent results and no problems. Maybe growing up in farm country makes it easier for me to understand the linked document. Since I cant know how all veterinarians feel about raw feeding, I wanted to be sure not to use a paint brush to speak for people I dont know. Is it not a pet food? Unfortunately, authorities ignore many safety laws. Great point, Debbie its easy to say negative things about people online, because we have the protection of being behind a computer screen. Where to Buy Blue Ridge Beef Raw Food for Cats and Dogs. Its good for those who need a more reasonably priced option for raw. Just like a human diet. Im not sure if theyre GMO free, but I have learned from other brands that its very expensive to re-label all of your products. He was still scratching. Raw food for dogs and cats must test to a higher standard when it comes to traces of E Coli and other bacteria. Wiggles and Wagmore, LLC This is my third dog that has had really awful allergies. Despite thousands and thousands of comments in favor or raw meat pet food, despite pleas from consumers, manufacturers, and veterinarians to open communication regarding the AVMA, AAHA, AAFP, and NASPHV policyall of these organizations held firm. BRB poultry meats come from the same places the grocery store meats come originate from but they use necks (poultry) (quail is frames). Since 1979, our 4th generation family owned and operated company is dedicated to bringing you the hi For the first time since we adopted him 6 years ago, he does a happy dance at dinner time. Click Here to learn more. Many of our customers want to know the exact amount of each ingredient in the BRB mixes. Read the document. . or. Click Here to learn more. They took their education further to explore holistic veterinarian medicine before opening their practices. These areas are not easily cleaned, creating a possible niche for undesirable microorganisms. This volume must be legally disposed of by proper handling and transport to rendering plants. As noted in violation 2, the condition of your floors creates a niche for microbial activity that could contaminate the carcasses. But I have never had a problem with BRB. If Blue Ridge Beef was sourcing their protein from diseased animals, wouldnt we have heard about it beyond forum discussions? SOMEONE, give some solid proof or valid explanation on this food not being labeled..otherwise all the comments made here mean nothing. ~Carol Randolph. It is sketchy enough that I would steer clear of Blue Ridge. Food & Drug Protection Division Blue Ridge Beef | About Cats & Dogs - Raw Dog & Cat Food Very sad. chubs. Your email address will not be published. Questioning a brands integrity without cause doesnt help either. I need one who supports raw! Kitten Grind - Raw Pet Food for Cats Blue Ridge Beef So I got a replacement from different retailer but the replacement I have received also had a couple of small pieces of the same materials. Just found the brand to be extremely suspicious. When overhead rails were in use, chipping/flaking paint and product buildup was observed. She is a cocker spaniel lhasa apso mix who will be 15 in the Fall. I was told it is GMO-free but I have looked through their entire site and there is nothing about GMOs. Specifically: 4. The venison is from deer farms of their area.