Voluntary Recall Issued for Over 55,000 Pounds of Frozen Blueberries Amid Listeria Concerns

In a proactive move to ensure public safety, a batch of frozen blueberries distributed across four U.S. states is being voluntarily recalled due to concerns over potential listeria contamination. This recall, initiated by the Oregon Potato Company, involves the Willamette Valley Fruit Company based in Salem, Oregon.

On February 12, the company took action to recall 55,689 pounds of these frozen blueberries after identifying the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can lead to severe health issues. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detailed this in their enforcement report, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

The FDA classified this as a Class I recall on February 24, the most critical level, indicating that the product’s consumption or exposure could result in “serious adverse health consequences or death.” This highlights the importance of addressing the contamination swiftly to prevent any potential harm to consumers.

This recall affects blueberries that were distributed in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as in Canada, according to the FDA. However, it is worth noting that these products were not available for purchase directly from retail stores, thereby limiting consumer exposure.

The product was not sold to consumers from retail stores, according to the FDA.

Recalled berries were packed in 30-pound corrugated cases and 1,400-pound totes of individually quick frozen blueberries.

Lot codes and best-by dates can be found on the FDA website.

The company has not issued a public press release on the recall. Willamette Valley Fruit Company did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.

What to know about listeria and its symptoms

Listeria is a bacteria that when ingested can cause an infection known as listeriosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The condition is most dangerous for pregnant people, newborns, people with weakened immune systems and adults 65 or older, the agency states. For people who are pregnant, being infected with listeria can cause pregnancy loss or premature birth.

According to the CDC, an estimated 1,250 people get listeriosis annually in the U.S., and about 172 people die from it.