What Happened
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of 55,689 pounds of frozen blueberries due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall was initiated by Oregon Potato Company, operating as Willamette Valley Fruit Company, based in Salem, Oregon. The recall was first reported on February 12 and was later upgraded to a Class 1 recall on February 24, indicating a serious health risk.
Why It Matters
Exposure to Listeria can lead to severe health consequences, including serious infections, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues. In vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, Listeria can be life-threatening. The affected blueberries were distributed across several states, including Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as Canada, although they were not sold directly to consumers in retail stores.
What’s Next
The recall affects both 30-pound corrugated cases and 1,400-pound industrial-sized containers of individually quick-frozen blueberries. Specific lot codes and expiration dates for the recalled products include:
- 30-pound cases: Lot 2055 B2 (Best by: July 23, 2027), Lot 2065 B1 (Best by: July 24, 2027), Lot 2065 B3 (Best by: July 24, 2027)
- 1,400-pound totes: Lot 3305 A1 (Best by: November 25, 2027), Lot 3305 B1 (Best by: November 25, 2027)
The recall remains ongoing, and consumers are advised to check their freezers for these products and discard them to avoid potential health risks.
