FDA issues class recall for 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries over potential Listeria contamination

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) escalated a voluntary recall of about 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries due to potential Listeria contamination. 

The berries were produced and shipped by Oregon Potato Company, a Pacific Northwest producer of dehydrated and frozen fruits, vegetables, and roots.

The company issued a voluntary recall of the fruit at the beginning of February to prevent the sale of any blueberries infested with the fungus, which had been distributed across Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Canada before reaching retail stores.

Details of the recalled fruit

The frozen berries were packed in polyethylene bags, which were placed inside corrugated cases. The frozen blueberries were then placed in both 30-pound cases and 1,400-pound totes, with all products set to expire in 2027.

The federal agency published the notice on February 12 and upgraded it to a Class 1 recall on February 24, warning that exposure to Listeria monocytogenes could cause serious health consequences or death, reports NBC.

The Class I status, according to the FDA, means there's “a reasonable probability” that use of or exposure to the products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

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