Nearly 56,000 pounds of bulk frozen blueberries distributed across multiple states and Canada are subject to a high-risk recall after federal regulators warned of potentially fatal health consequences.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Federal regulators have elevated a recall of approximately 55,689 pounds of frozen blueberries to a Class I designation after determining the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium capable of causing severe illness or death in vulnerable populations.
The recall involves quick-frozen blueberries distributed by Oregon Potato Company, a processor of frozen potatoes, vegetables and fruits. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the initial notice was issued on February 12 before being upgraded to the highest risk classification, indicating that exposure “could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The affected products were distributed within the supply chain in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and parts of Canada. Officials stated the blueberries were transferred between businesses and were not shipped directly to retail consumers.
Details reported by Fox Business indicate that the recalled items include 30-pound cases bearing expiration dates between July 23, 2027, and July 24, 2027, with lot codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1 and 2065 B3. The cases are packaged in polyethylene bags within corrugated cartons.
Regulators also identified affected 1,400-pound totes with lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, both expiring November 25, 2027. Those products are stored in polyethylene liners placed inside large Gaylord totes, which are heavy-duty industrial bulk containers used for large-scale distribution.
Listeria infection, known as listeriosis, may cause fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms and, in severe cases, bloodstream infections or meningitis. While healthy adults may experience mild symptoms, the bacterium poses heightened risks to pregnant women, newborns, elderly individuals and people with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or life-threatening complications for newborns.
Federal authorities have not reported confirmed illnesses linked to the recalled blueberries at this time. Businesses in possession of the affected lots have been advised to follow recall procedures and prevent further distribution.
The Class I recall designation represents the most serious category issued by the FDA and signals a reasonable probability that use of the product could result in severe health outcomes.
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