The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall—its most serious risk level—for organic blueberries potentially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall affects 400 boxes of 30-pound organic blueberries produced by Alma Pak International LLC, a Georgia-based food manufacturer. The boxes, identified by Lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096, were primarily shipped to a single customer in North Carolina. The recall was initiated voluntarily by the company on June 9 after routine testing detected the presence of Listeria.
A Class I recall signifies that use of the product could pose a serious health risk or potentially cause death. However, the company has stated that all affected products were recovered before reaching retail shelves, and no consumer exposure occurred.
What Is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of infection:
Mild symptoms (1–3 days):
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
Severe symptoms (especially in vulnerable populations):
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of balance
- Seizures
Severe infections are particularly dangerous for:
- Pregnant individuals
- Newborns
- Older adults (65+)
- People with weakened immune systems
If you develop flu-like symptoms after eating potentially contaminated food, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment is crucial in preventing complications from listeriosis.
How Does Listeria Grow?
Listeria can contaminate food during harvesting, packaging, or transport. Risk factors include:
- Contact with dirty equipment or unclean water
- Improper refrigeration
- Poor hygiene during handling
- Cross-contamination from raw meat or unclean surfaces
The bacteria can grow even at refrigerator temperatures, making it more resilient than many other foodborne pathogens.
How to Lower Your Risk
To reduce your risk of listeria exposure from fresh fruits:
- Wash produce thoroughly under running water before eating or cooking
- Use a produce brush for fruits with firm skins
- Store fruits properly in the refrigerator
- Keep produce separate from raw meat and other potential contaminants
- Wash hands, cutting boards, and surfaces before and after handling produce
- Consume fruits within a few days of purchase
Maintaining good kitchen hygiene and proper food storage can significantly reduce the risk of contamination.
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