Frozen Blueberries Recalled; frozen blueberries recalled in massive Listeria warning
Federal regulators and the U. S. Food and Drug Administration said frozen blueberries recalled total roughly 55, 689 pounds after a potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination was identified. The recall was initiated Feb. 12 and was classified as a Class I/Class 1 recall later in the month, raising warnings that exposure could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Company, weight and origin
The Oregon Potato Company, a family-owned business based in Salem that specializes in frozen and dehydrated potatoes, vegetables and fruits, flagged the product. Regulators have cited both a rounded figure of 55, 000 pounds and a more specific 55, 689 pounds of individually quick-frozen blueberries as affected. The affected blueberries bear the name Willamette Valley Fruit Company, per enforcement notices shared with officials.
Frozen Blueberries Recalled: Packaging
The recalled items include 30-pound corrugated cases with polyethylene bags and a specialized dual-layered design, and 1, 400-pound totes packaged in polyethylene liners. The 30-pound cases carry expiration dates from July 23, 2027, to July 24, 2027, and bear 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 bulk containers are described as Gaylord totes with heavy-duty, industrial-grade plastic bags placed in large bulk-shipping containers.
Distribution and supply-chain notes
The product was not sold directly to consumers in retail stores but instead moved between businesses within the supply chain. The recalled blueberries were distributed in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and throughout Canada. The recall was initiated email and remains ongoing. A separate listing that would show "Blueberries with the following lot codes and best-by dates were recalled: " is present in enforcement material but the specific list following that line is unclear in the provided context.
Health risks, transmission and symptoms
The agencies note that L. monocytogenes is generally transmitted where food is harvested and processed in manufacturing or production environments. Listeria monocytogenesis is described in notices as a disease-causing bacterium that can cause foodborne illness, with initial symptoms such as fever, diarrhea and vomiting. Additional guidance details that less severe listeriosis can produce fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for anywhere between one and three days, while more serious cases may lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.
Who is at higher risk and testing
Officials emphasize that young children, adults over the age of 65, people with weakened or compromised immune systems, and pregnant people are high risk for more severe listeriosis. Notices state that pregnant people might not experience symptoms yet the infection can still be passed on to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. Symptoms can begin anywhere between a few days to two weeks after eating contaminated food. Physicians will use blood tests, test placenta tissue in pregnant patients or use imaging to detect the bacteria. Listeriosis is described as not contagious from person to person in these materials.
Recommended precautions and next steps
To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, agencies recommend that consumers, restaurants and retailers take precautions such as wiping up spills, washing hands, cleaning refrigerators, sanitizing surfaces and contacting the local health department if concerned about possible outbreaks. Notices advise that because the recalled blueberries were not sold directly to consumers, individuals may not know if they have consumed any of the affected product. If concerned about possible exposure, contact a health care provider.
Images and ancillary details
A photograph caption in enforcement material notes a sign for the Food and Drug Administration seen outside the agency headquarters on July 20, 2020, in White Oak, Maryland. The recall classification language used in public notices appears as both "Class 1 recall" and "Class I recall, " with the Class I definition provided in enforcement material 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. "
Reporter background and byline details
Drew Weisholtz is named in the material as a reporter who focuses on pop culture, nostalgia and trending stories. The biographical notes state he has seen every episode of "Saved by the Bell" at least 50 times, longs to perfect the crane kick from "The Karate Kid, " performs stand-up comedy, cheers on the New York Yankees and New York Giants, is a graduate of Rutgers University and is a married father of two kids who believe he is ridiculous.
Regulators continue to monitor the recall and the associated public-health guidance remains in effect as the situation develops.
