FDA Issues Blueberry Recall Over Listeria Risk: Essential Information
Understanding food recalls is crucial for maintaining kitchen safety and peace of mind. Recently, the FDA issued a recall on certain batches totaling 12,000 pounds of blueberries due to potential Listeria contamination. This announcement is important for consumers to act swiftly in removing these berries from their inventory. Blueberries, beloved for their sweetness and versatility in various dishes, need special attention during such recalls. Here, you'll learn which berries are affected, how to identify them, and what actions to take to ensure you avoid any health risks.
Which Blueberries Are Recalled?
The recalled blueberries were packed by Alma Pak International and flagged for possible Listeria contamination. Around 12,000 pounds—equivalent to 400 boxes—were involved in the recall. They were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina and never made it to retail shelves. The affected lot numbers are 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096. If you have blueberries with these codes, do not eat them—discard them immediately as a safety precaution.
Identifying Recalled Blueberries
To identify the recalled blueberries, check the packaging for lot codes 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096. These specific codes were part of a batch tested by the FDA that showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. While the shipment was sent only to one customer in North Carolina, it's still important to double-check any bulk or redistributed supply you may have come into contact with. If in doubt, throw it out to avoid potential health risks.
The Reason Behind the Recall
The recall was triggered after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes in a batch of blueberries produced by Alma Pak International. This led to a voluntary recall on June 9, later escalated by the FDA to a Class I recall on July 1—the most serious classification, indicating a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death. Listeria is especially dangerous because it can survive and spread in cold environments like food processing facilities.
Understanding the Recall Level
The FDA upgraded the blueberry recall to a Class I recall on July 1, signaling the highest level of health risk. This classification is used when there’s a strong chance that exposure to the product could result in serious health issues or even death. Initially voluntary, the recall was issued by Alma Pak International after Listeria was found during routine testing. A Class I status emphasizes the urgency and severity of the contamination risk.
Recognizing Listeria Symptoms
Listeria infection can cause two types of illness: intestinal and invasive. Intestinal symptoms—like diarrhea and vomiting—usually show up within 24 hours. Invasive illness is more serious and may appear up to 2 weeks later, causing fever, stiff neck, confusion, headaches, loss of balance, or seizures. If you’ve eaten potentially contaminated food and experience any of these signs, especially if you're in a high-risk group, contact your doctor promptly.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can get sick from Listeria, certain groups face much higher risks. These include pregnant women, newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems. For them, Listeria can cause severe complications, such as bloodstream infections, meningitis, or pregnancy loss. Even though healthy individuals may only experience mild symptoms, those in high-risk categories should be especially cautious about food safety and potential recalls.
Listeria and Pregnancy Concerns
Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get sick from Listeria, according to the FDA. The infection can have serious consequences, including miscarriage, premature delivery, or stillbirth. For babies born during a Listeria infection, risks include long-term health problems like paralysis or organ damage. That’s why expectant mothers are urged to avoid high-risk foods like deli meats, unpasteurized dairy, and pre-made salads to protect themselves and their unborn children.
Risks for Pregnant Women
The risks of Listeria infection during pregnancy go beyond typical food poisoning. A Listeria infection can lead to severe outcomes such as miscarriage, premature labor, stillbirth, or life-threatening infections in newborns. Even if the pregnant person feels only mildly ill, the bacteria can still harm the fetus. Because of these risks, the FDA strongly advises pregnant women to avoid foods commonly linked to Listeria, including soft cheeses, cold cuts, and unpasteurized dairy.
Preventing Listeria Infections
Preventing Listeria infection starts with smart food handling and storage. Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F, and avoid high-risk foods like deli meats, unpasteurized dairy, and refrigerated smoked seafood—especially if you're pregnant or immunocompromised. Clean your fridge regularly and discard spoiled items promptly. Always consume ready-to-eat foods quickly, and never leave perishable items at room temperature for over two hours.
Next Steps After the Recall
Since the recalled blueberries from Alma Pak International were shipped to only one customer in North Carolina and didn’t reach store shelves, the risk to the public is low. However, if you happen to have blueberries with lot codes 13325 G1060 or 13325 G1096, discard them immediately. If you suspect exposure or experience symptoms of Listeria, especially if you're in a high-risk group, consult your doctor. You can also report food-related illnesses to your local health department for investigation.
