Blueberries Recalled: Listeria Contamination Prompts Major Food Safety Alert

Federal regulators have announced a significant recall of approximately 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries due to potential Listeria contamination. This poses a serious health risk, potentially leading to life-threatening illness, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Details of the Recall

The Oregon Potato Company, a Salem-based family-owned business specializing in frozen fruits and vegetables, initiated the recall of 55,689 pounds of individually quick-frozen blueberries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially issued a notice on February 12th, but has since upgraded it to a Class 1 recall on Tuesday, signifying a high risk of serious adverse health consequences or even death.

The affected blueberries were distributed across multiple U.S. states, including Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as throughout Canada. It’s important to note that these blueberries were not sold directly to consumers in retail stores; rather, they were distributed between businesses within the food supply chain.

Product Information

The recall is currently ongoing and initiated via email. Here’s a breakdown of the affected products:

• 30-pound cases: Expiration dates ranging from July 23, 2027, to July 24, 2027, with lot codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1, and 2065 B3. Packaged in polyethylene bags within corrugated cases.
• 1,400-pound totes: Lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, both expiring on Nov. 25, 2027. Packaged in polyethylene liners within Gaylord totes.

Understanding Listeria and the Risks

Listeria monocytogenes is a disease-causing bacteria commonly found in food processing and production environments. Infection with Listeria can cause foodborne illness, with symptoms including fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. While healthy adults typically experience mild symptoms, the infection can be severe – and sometimes fatal – for:

• Unborn babies
• Newborns
• The elderly
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

You can find more information about Listeria and food safety on the FDA’s website.

What to Do If You Have Affected Blueberries

Businesses that have received the recalled blueberries are urged to immediately quarantine the product and notify their suppliers. Consumers are not directly affected as the product wasn’t sold at retail, but businesses should verify their supply chains.

This recall serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of food safety and vigilance in the food supply chain. Staying informed about recalls and following proper food handling practices are essential for protecting public health.

Source: Fox Business