Life-threatening blueberry recall upgraded to FDA's highest risk level
4 hours ago
- #recall
- #food-safety
- #listeria
- FDA upgrades blueberry recall to highest risk level (Class I), citing 'reasonable probability of death'.
- Oregon Potato Company recalls 55,689 pounds of blueberries due to potential listeria contamination.
- Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe illness (listeriosis), especially dangerous for pregnant women, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Symptoms include flu-like signs (fever, nausea, headache), but severe cases may lead to neurological effects or death.
- Recalled blueberries were distributed in Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Michigan (not sold in retail stores).
- Packaging includes 30-pound cases and 1,400-pound totes with specific lot codes and expiration dates (July–Nov 2027).
- Listeriosis has a 20–30% fatality rate; ~90% of cases require hospitalization.
- Blueberries are typically low-risk for listeria, but contamination can occur via manure, soil, or water.
- A separate 2025 recall involved 12,000 lbs of blueberries from Alma Pak International LLC (Georgia).
- No illnesses reported in connection with either recall.