A warning has been issued for blueberries that could pose serious health risks, prompting a critical recall.
The recall has been escalated to its highest level due to the potential for illness and even fatality from consuming the contaminated blueberries.
As reported by the Independent, Alma Pak International LLC recalled 400 boxes (each containing 30 pounds) of blueberries sent to a single North Carolina customer.
Details about the type of customer—whether a retailer, dining establishment, or another entity—remain undisclosed.
The recall of these organic blueberries was initiated on June 9 after they tested positive for listeria monocytogenes.
Often known as listeria, this bacterium can cause severe illness when ingested.
The FDA detected the bacteria during routine checks, subsequently elevating the June 9 warning to a Class I recall, indicating the highest risk level.
According to the FDA, a Class I recall is described as ‘a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death’.
The affected blueberries can be identified by Lot numbers: 13325 G1060 / 13325 G 1096.
The CDC characterizes listeria as a ‘bacteria that can contaminate many foods’.
Consuming food contaminated with listeria may lead to ‘invasive illness and intestinal illness’.
As per the NHS in the UK, the primary illness attributed to listeria is listeriosis.
The NHS lists high-risk products as:
The CDC notes that listeria infections are the third leading cause of food-related deaths in the US.
Annually, approximately 260 fatalities are linked to listeria infections.
The NHS states that for most, listeriosis is asymptomatic or results in mild symptoms lasting only a few days, such as:
Typically, individuals recover swiftly without severe consequences, although pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe effects.
In the previous year alone, nearly 300 recalls were issued, resulting in about 1,400 illnesses, according to a Public Interest Research Group.
These illnesses led to 487 hospitalizations and, regrettably, 19 deaths.
Since 2023, the number of hospitalizations and fatalities from foodborne illnesses has doubled.
Last month, FreshRealm’s chicken fettuccine alfredo products were recalled following a listeria outbreak that resulted in three deaths, one fetal loss, and 17 illnesses.
The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service indicated that these products might be ‘adulterated’ with the outbreak strain of listeria monocytogenes.
In 2022, a significant listeria outbreak was traced back to deli meats and cheeses, affecting 16 people across six states.