A significant food safety alert has been issued regarding the recall of over 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries across four U.S. states and Canada. This recall has been categorized as Class I, the highest risk level, by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium known to cause serious and potentially fatal foodborne illness.

The initial recall was issued by Oregon Potato Company LLC on February 12, citing concerns over possible Listeria contamination. The FDA subsequently elevated the risk level to Class I on February 24, underscoring the severity of the threat posed by this pathogen. Listeria infection can lead to severe health complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically include fever, headache, stiffness in the neck, confusion, and seizures.

The affected products include 55,689 pounds of individually quick frozen (IQF) blueberries. These blueberries were sold in bulk, specifically in 30-lb cases and large 1,400-lb totes. Distribution of the recalled blueberries spanned Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Canada. Importantly, the FDA has clarified that these specific recalled products were not sold directly to consumers in retail stores, meaning there is no need for the general public to check their freezers for these items. Consumers with concerns about Listeria exposure are advised to monitor for the aforementioned symptoms.