Frozen Blueberries Recalled: frozen blueberries recalled in massive Listeria alert
Federal regulators have announced that frozen blueberries recalled after tests raised a life-threatening Listeria monocytogenes risk include 55, 689 pounds of individually quick-frozen fruit. The frozen blueberries recalled were flagged by a family-owned Salem business that specializes in frozen and dehydrated potatoes, vegetables and fruits.
Frozen Blueberries Recalled Across States
The Oregon Potato Company — described in notices both as Oregon Potato Company and as Oregon Potato Company LLC — flagged 55, 689 pounds of individually quick-frozen blueberries. The product was distributed in Michigan, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, and also throughout Canada. Regulators noted that the product was not sold directly to consumers in retail stores but was moved between businesses within the supply chain.
Recall timing and classification
The recall was initiated on Feb. 12 and was later classified as a Class I recall on Feb. 24; separate notices state regulators on Tuesday upgraded it to a Class 1 recall. The recall was initiated email and remains ongoing. Officials warned that exposure to the potential Listeria monocytogenes "could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. "
Packaging and lot codes
Affected items include 30-pound corrugated cases with polyethylene liners and a specialized dual-layered design, and 1, 400-pound totes packaged in polyethylene liners within Gaylord totes. The 30-pound cases bear expiration dates from July 23, 2027, to July 24, 2027 and lot codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1 and 2065 B3. The 1, 400-pound totes carry lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, both expiring on Nov. 25, 2027. The affected blueberries bear the name Willamette Valley Fruit Company on the product, per enforcement notices.
Listeria risks and symptoms
The notices reference L. monocytogenes and state that L. monocytogenes is generally transmitted where food is harvested and processed in manufacturing or production environments. One report also uses the term "Listeria monocytogenesis. " Listeria is described as a disease-causing bacterium that can cause foodborne illness, with symptoms such as fever, diarrhea and vomiting. Additional symptom descriptions in the notices note muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for one to three days in less severe cases; more serious cases may include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
Who is at higher risk
Notices identify pregnant women, young children, adults over the age of 65 and people with weakened or compromised immune systems as high-risk groups for more severe listeriosis. Because the recalled blueberries were not sold directly to consumers, individuals may not know whether they have consumed affected product.
Distribution, supply chain and safety guidance
Officials emphasized that the recalled product moved between businesses rather than being sold at retail. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, the notices recommend wiping up spills, washing hands, cleaning refrigerators, sanitizing surfaces, and contacting the local health department if there is concern about possible outbreaks. If concerned about possible Listeria exposure, consumers are advised to contact a health care provider.
The public messages also include visual references: a microscopic image of listeria is shown in release materials, and a sign for the Food and Drug Administration was noted outside the FDA headquarters on July 20, 2020, in White Oak, Maryland.
Additional contextual details circulated with the recall notice include market-data and technical lines about quote timing and digital tooling, and the recall communications include copyright and legal statements. A named reporter in linked coverage is Drew Weisholtz, who is described in biographical copy as a reporter focused on pop culture, nostalgia and trending stories; that biography notes he has seen every episode of "Saved by the Bell" at least 50 times, that he longs to perfect the crane kick from "The Karate Kid, " that he performs stand-up comedy, cheers for the New York Yankees and New York Giants, is a graduate of Rutgers University, and is a married father of two.
The recall remains active and investigators and businesses in the supply chain continue to address the matter.
