A North Carolina dog food company has voluntarily recalled 9,600 pounds of dog food due to potential salmonella contamination, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced Monday.

The product, Blue Ridge Beef’s 2 pound log Puppy Mix, was distributed and sold between Aug. 6 and Aug. 23 in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York State retail stores, the FDA said in a news release.

According to the FDA, the products were packaged in clear plastic and the lot numbers are stamped in clips at the end of the bags. Impacted products are marked with lot number #08/06/N25 and 08/16/N25, or UPC number 854298001696.

According to the FDA, a customer’s litter of puppies got sick and the owners reported their illness to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. On Nov. 27, the FDA sent notice that the products tested positive for salmonella.

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What are the health risks associated with salmonella-contaminated food?

The FDA said animals who eat food contaminated with salmonella can become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets may experience decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. 

“Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans,” the FDA said. “If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.”

Humans can also be negatively impacted by handling the contaminated food and not thoroughly washing their hands, the FDA said. Healthy people infected with salmonella may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever, the FDA said. 

And although it’s rare, salmonella in humans can lead to arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. 

What do I do if I have contaminated pet food?

Customers who have bought the contaminated products should return them or destroy them so children, pets, and wildlife cannot access them. 

The FDA also said to:

• Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups and storage containers.
• Wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food.
• Wash and sanitize utensils that come in contact with recalled food. 

Customers can also contact Blue Ridge Beef at [email protected] or (704) 873-2072.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].