Frozen Blueberries Recalled in 55,689-Pound Listeria Alert
Federal regulators announced that frozen blueberries recalled from the supply chain total 55, 689 pounds after the U. S. Food and Drug Administration flagged a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination that could pose life-threatening risks.
Recall timeline and classification
The recall was initiated on Feb. 12 and the FDA upgraded it to a Class I recall on Feb. 24, defining a Class I recall as "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. " The recall was started email and remains ongoing.
Frozen Blueberries Recalled: Lot codes and packaging
The affected product was produced by Oregon Potato Company LLC, a family-owned business in Salem that specializes in frozen and dehydrated potatoes, vegetables and fruits, and bears the name Willamette Valley Fruit Company. The items include 30-pound corrugated cases with polyethylene liners bearing lot codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1 and 2065 B3 and best-by dates from July 23, 2027, to July 24, 2027. In addition, 1, 400-pound totes with polyethylene liners inside Gaylord totes carry lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1 and the Nov. 25, 2027 expiration date.
Where the product moved and who might have it
The recalled blueberries were not sold directly to consumers in retail stores; they were distributed between businesses in the supply chain. The product was moved to Michigan, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin in the United States and was also distributed in Canada.
Health risks, symptoms and steps recommended
The FDA warned that exposure to Listeria monocytogenes "could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. " L. monocytogenes is generally transmitted in places where food is harvested and processed in manufacturing or production environments. Symptoms of listeriosis can range from fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea lasting one to three days in less severe cases to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions in more serious cases. Pregnant women, young children, adults over the age of 65 and people with weakened or compromised immune systems are at higher risk for more severe illness.
To reduce risk, the FDA recommended wiping up spills, washing hands, cleaning refrigerators, sanitizing surfaces and contacting the local health department if there is concern about a possible outbreak. People who are worried they may have been exposed are advised to contact a health care provider.
Packaging details and shipping containers
The 30-pound cases are packaged in polyethylene bags inside corrugated cases using a dual-layered design, while the bulk 1, 400-pound shipments are packaged in polyethylene liners placed inside Gaylord totes, which are heavy-duty, industrial-grade plastic bags in large bulk-shipping containers.
The recall notice lists the precise lot codes and expiration dates above; because the product circulated between businesses and was not sold at retail, end users may be unaware if they received or handled the affected lots. Regulators say the recall remains ongoing while firms and public health officials follow up on the distribution and any potential exposures.
