Frozen Blueberries Recalled: Life-threatening Listeria Risk Prompts Massive Recall Across Multiple States
Federal regulators have announced frozen blueberries recalled in a broad action after a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination that could pose a life-threatening risk. The recall affects more than 55, 000 pounds of product moved through business-to-business supply chains and is ongoing.
Frozen Blueberries Recalled — scope, sizes and who produced them
The recall centers on individually quick-frozen blueberries flagged by Oregon Potato Company, a family-owned business in Salem that specializes in frozen and dehydrated potatoes, vegetables and fruits. Company filings flagged 55, 689 pounds of product, while regulators have described the recall in rounded terms at roughly 55, 000 pounds. The affected product carried the Willamette Valley Fruit Company name on the blueberries.
Distribution footprint and how the product moved
The recalled frozen blueberries were distributed across several U. S. states, including Michigan, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, and were also shipped throughout Canada. The product was not sold directly to consumers in retail stores; it moved between businesses within the supply chain. The recall was initiated email and remains ongoing.
Packaging, lot codes and expiration dates
Affected items include 30-pound cases and large bulk totes. The 30-pound cases bear expiration dates from July 23, 2027, to July 24, 2027, and carry lot codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1 and 2065 B3; they are packaged in polyethylene bags inside corrugated cases with a dual-layered design. The recall also covers 1, 400-pound totes with lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, both expiring on Nov. 25, 2027; those are packaged in polyethylene liners within Gaylord totes, heavy-duty industrial-grade plastic bags placed in large bulk-shipping containers. A list entry in regulatory notices noted "Blueberries with the following lot codes and best-by dates were recalled: " but the full itemized list is unclear in the provided context.
Why Listeria monocytogenes is dangerous and where it occurs
Listeria monocytogenes is a disease-causing bacterium that can lead to listeriosis, a foodborne illness. Listeria is generally transmitted where food is harvested and processed in manufacturing or production environments. Symptoms can include fever, diarrhea and vomiting. More detailed clinical descriptions indicate that less severe cases may cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea lasting one to three days, while more serious infections can lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Pregnant women, young children, adults over the age of 65 and people with weakened or compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe listeriosis.
Regulatory timeline and the Class I designation
The recall was initiated on Feb. 12 and was classified as a Class I recall on Feb. 24. A Class I recall is defined 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. Officials have warned that exposure to the potential Listeria monocytogenes could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
What businesses and concerned parties should do next
Because the frozen blueberries were not sold at retail to consumers, individuals may not know whether they have handled or consumed affected product. Businesses, restaurants and distributors that received the listed lot codes and packaging types should halt use and follow established recall actions. Those concerned about possible exposure or symptoms of listeriosis should contact a health care provider or the local health department. Details remain subject to update; the recall remains ongoing and further information may follow as regulators and the company continue their response.
