Frozen blueberries, a popular and healthy snack, have recently been subject to a significant recall due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall, involving over 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries, raises serious concerns about food safety and the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated products. Understanding the details of the recall, the dangers of Listeria, and the steps consumers can take is crucial for protecting public health.
Frozen Blueberry Recall: An Overview
In February 2026, a significant recall of frozen blueberries was initiated due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can cause listeriosis, a severe foodborne illness, particularly dangerous for pregnant individuals, newborns, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The recall highlights the importance of stringent food safet
Details of the Recall: Scope and Affected Products
The recall was initiated on February 12, 2026, by Oregon Potato Company, the parent company of Willamette Valley Fruit Company. The company voluntarily recalled 55,689 pounds of individually quick-frozen (IQF) blueberries due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Affected Products
- The recalled products were packaged in 30-pound cases and 1,400-pound totes.
- Specific lot codes for the 30-lb cases include 2055 B2, 2065 B1, and 2065 B3.
- The 1,400-pound totes have lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1.
- These products have expiration dates extending through 2027.
Distribution
- The recalled blueberries were distributed to businesses in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Canada.
- Notably, the products were not available in retail stores, meaning they were intended for commercial use rather than direct consumer purchase.
On February 24, 2026, the FDA upgraded the recall to Class I, the most serious level, indicating a high risk of severe health consequences or death. According to Fox Business Report, “Exposure to the potential Listeria monocytogenes could cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to FDA officials.
Listeria Monocytogenes: Risks and Symptoms
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a severe foodborne illness. It is particularly concerning because it can survive and even grow at refrigeration temperatures. Industry experts note that understanding the risks associated with this bacterium is essential for public health.
Who is at Risk?
- Pregnant women: Listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, and severe illness in newborns.
- Newborns: Infants can contract listeriosis from their mothers during pregnancy or delivery, leading to severe health problems.
- Older adults: People aged 65 and older are more likely to develop severe symptoms from Listeria infection.
- People with weakened immune systems: Individuals with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments are at higher risk.
Symptoms of Listeriosis
Symptoms of listeriosis can vary, but common signs include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
According to the CDC, invasive listeriosis can also spread beyond the intestines, causing severe complications. It's estimated that listeriosis results in approximately 1,600 deaths annually in the United States.
Food Safety Regulations and Recalls
The FDA plays a crucial role in ensuring food safety through regulations, inspections, and recalls. When a potential health risk is identified, such as Listeria contamination, the FDA works with companies to initiate a recall. Recalls are classified based on the severity of the potential health risk:
- Class I: This is the most serious type of recall, indicating a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The frozen blueberry recall was classified as Class I.
- Class II: This type of recall involves a situation in which the use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
- Class III: This recall class involves a situation in which the use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.
Recent FDA reports indicate ongoing challenges in maintaining sanitation standards in frozen food processing environments, leading to multiple produce recalls for Listeria in 2026.
Consumer Advice: What to Do If You Have Recalled Blueberries
If you have purchased frozen blueberries, it is essential to check whether they are part of the recalled lot. Given that the recalled blueberries were distributed to businesses and not sold directly to consumers, the risk to individual consumers is relatively low. However, if you own or manage a business that received frozen blueberries from Oregon Potato Company, take the following steps:
- Check Lot Codes: Verify the lot codes on the packaging against the recalled codes (2055 B2, 2065 B1, 2065 B3 for 30-lb cases; 3305 A1, 3305 B1 for 1,400-pound totes).
- Do Not Use: If the lot codes match, do not use the product.
- Discard or Return: Dispose of the recalled blueberries immediately or return them to the supplier for a refund.
- Sanitize: Thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled product to prevent cross-contamination.
- Monitor for Symptoms: If you or anyone who consumed the recalled blueberries experiences symptoms of listeriosis, seek medical attention immediately.
Preventative Measures: Ensuring Food Safety
Preventing Listeria contamination requires a multi-faceted approach involving stringent food safety practices at every stage of the supply chain. Key preventative measures include:
- Proper Sanitation: Regular and thorough cleaning and sanitization of food processing equipment and facilities are essential to eliminate Listeria and other pathogens.
- Temperature Control: Maintaining proper refrigeration temperatures is crucial to prevent the growth of Listeria. Regularly monitor and verify temperatures in storage and transportation.
- Employee Training: Educate food handlers about the risks of Listeria and proper hygiene practices, including handwashing and preventing cross-contamination.
- Supplier Verification: Ensure that suppliers have robust food safety programs and regularly audit their facilities to verify compliance with food safety standards.
- Testing and Monitoring: Implement regular testing and monitoring programs to detect Listeria in food products and processing environments.
Key Takeaways
The recall of over 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries due to potential Listeria contamination underscores the critical importance of food safety in the production and distribution of food products. While the recalled blueberries were distributed to businesses rather than directly to consumers, understanding the risks associated with Listeria and taking appropriate preventative measures is essential for protecting public health. By staying informed about recalls, following safe food handling practices, and supporting robust food safety regulations, we can all contribute to a safer food supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have frozen blueberries at home?
If you have frozen blueberries at home, check the lot codes against the recalled codes. If they match, do not consume them and follow the disposal instructions provided by the FDA.
How can I prevent Listeria contamination in my kitchen?
To prevent Listeria contamination, ensure proper sanitation of surfaces, maintain appropriate refrigeration temperatures, and educate yourself and others about safe food handling practices.
What are the symptoms of Listeriosis?
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and gastrointestinal issues. Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms after consuming potentially contaminated food.
Sources
- Automated Pipeline
- Life-threatening Listeria risk prompts massive frozen blueberry recall across multiple states
- Nearly 60,000 pounds of frozen blueberries recalled across multiple states over Listeria risk
- Blueberries recalled by FDA in 4 states
- Listeria (Listeriosis) | Listeria monocytogenes | CDC
- Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts | FDA
