Blueberry Recall Alert: What You Must Know About the Listeria Threat
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a significant food safety warning concerning frozen blueberries distributed by Alma Pak International LLC. This warning follows the elevation of a previous voluntary recall to a Class I recall, the most severe level, after the detection of Listeria monocytogenes. The recall includes approximately 12,000 pounds of frozen organic blueberries shipped in 30-pound bulk boxes. Although the initial distribution was reportedly limited to a single customer in North Carolina, health officials are urging all consumers and food establishments to exercise heightened caution, as further distribution cannot be ruled out.
Understanding the Class I Recall Designation
The FDA’s Class I recall status is reserved for the most urgent threats to public health. A product classified under this level poses a "reasonable probability" of causing serious health consequences or death if consumed. In the case of the Alma Pak blueberries, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes—a potentially deadly foodborne pathogen—meets this high threshold. The elevation of this recall to Class I on July 1, 2025, underscores the severity of the risk posed to consumers, especially among vulnerable populations.
Detailed Breakdown of the Recalled Product
The affected blueberries were distributed in bulk, 30-pound containers labeled as frozen organic blueberries. The recall specifically applies to products bearing the lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096, all originating from Alma Pak’s Georgia facility. While the volume involved is confined to about 400 cases, the concern arises from the possible exposure through redistribution or improper labeling in secondary supply chains. Consumers who have purchased frozen blueberries in June 2025 are urged to check packaging details if available or to discard bulk items if uncertain.
The Dangers of Listeria Contamination
Listeria monocytogenes is a resilient bacterium capable of surviving and multiplying even at refrigeration temperatures. This makes frozen and chilled foods particularly vulnerable if contamination occurs during processing. Once ingested, the bacteria can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that manifests with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, especially among pregnant individuals, infants, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems, the infection can escalate into life-threatening complications like meningitis, miscarriage, or stillbirth. The risk is heightened due to the pathogen's ability to evade early detection and cause delayed onset of illness.
Timeline of the Recall Process
The blueberry recall process began on June 9, 2025, when Alma Pak International initiated a voluntary recall in coordination with the FDA. Following confirmatory testing that identified the presence of Listeria in product samples, the recall was escalated to Class I status on July 1, 2025. Since then, the FDA has issued consumer alerts, and the company has reportedly recovered all known contaminated product from distribution. No illnesses have been reported to date, but public health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Scope of Distribution and Consumer Risk
Although Alma Pak claimed that the affected blueberries were distributed to a single customer in North Carolina, food safety officials have expressed concern over possible broader distribution channels. In many cases, bulk shipments are repackaged, resold, or redirected, increasing the potential for exposure. For this reason, the FDA has issued a nationwide advisory encouraging consumers, especially in the food service industry, to verify their stock of frozen blueberries. If any unlabeled or suspicious bulk blueberries were acquired in recent weeks, they should be discarded or reported.
Essential Steps for Consumers and Retailers
To ensure public safety, the FDA has outlined a clear protocol for anyone who may have handled or consumed the recalled blueberries. First, consumers should check their freezers and storage areas for any 30-pound boxes of frozen organic blueberries labeled with the affected lot numbers. If these are found, the product should be discarded immediately, and hands or surfaces that contacted the blueberries should be thoroughly sanitized. Retailers and food service providers should isolate their stock and notify customers if any of the product was sold or served. Anyone experiencing symptoms associated with listeriosis should consult a medical provider promptly, particularly if they belong to a high-risk group.
Alma Pak International’s Response Measures
Following the initial detection, Alma Pak International collaborated with the FDA and the Georgia Department of Agriculture to conduct an internal investigation. The company implemented a “seek and destroy” protocol to identify the contamination source within its facility. Additional environmental samples taken after the recall tested negative for Listeria, suggesting that the contamination may have been isolated. The company has stated that, to its knowledge, no contaminated product reached the consumer level and that all affected boxes were accounted for before reaching store shelves or foodservice clients.
The Bigger Picture: Other Recent Listeria Recalls
This blueberry recall is part of a troubling pattern in 2025 involving Listeria-linked food safety events. In late June, multiple major recalls were announced, including Oscar Mayer turkey bacon (over 360,000 pounds), Wegmans chocolate nonpareils, and various processed lunch meats. Each of these recalls has been linked to potential contamination, mislabeling, or manufacturing oversight. The frequency and scope of these recalls highlight an urgent need for increased vigilance in cold chain processing and post-packaging sanitation procedures across the industry.
Public Health Implications
Listeria monocytogenes remains one of the most lethal foodborne pathogens in the United States. Each year, approximately 1,600 cases of listeriosis are reported, resulting in about 260 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite its lower incidence compared to other pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli, Listeria has an outsized impact on public health due to its high fatality rate and the vulnerability of the affected population. The persistence of the bacteria in cold environments and its delayed onset of symptoms make it especially insidious.
Recommended Actions for At-Risk Groups
Individuals who are pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised should take immediate precautions if they suspect exposure to the recalled blueberries. Symptoms can take days or even weeks to appear and may initially seem mild, such as fatigue or digestive upset. However, if symptoms progress to fever, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures, emergency medical evaluation is critical. Healthcare providers should be made aware of the potential for recent Listeria exposure to initiate appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment.
Prevention and Consumer Education
Preventing listeriosis requires more than just following recall advisories—it also depends on informed consumer behavior. Frozen produce should always be handled with care, washed when applicable, and kept at proper temperatures. Foodservice professionals must be especially diligent when sourcing bulk ingredients and verifying their origin and safety status. Additionally, public awareness campaigns about food recalls should be widely disseminated through media, social platforms, and institutional communication channels.
The Importance of Food Safety Monitoring
This incident underscores the crucial role of ongoing food safety monitoring and the effectiveness of FDA oversight when working in concert with responsible producers. The timely identification of contamination and rapid escalation to a Class I recall likely prevented widespread exposure in this case. However, the potential for distribution beyond the intended recipient illustrates gaps in traceability that the food industry must address. Enhanced tracking, barcode scanning, and transparency in supply chains will be essential in preventing similar threats in the future.
Conclusion: Vigilance Is the Best Defense
The recent recall of frozen blueberries due to Listeria contamination is a serious reminder that foodborne pathogens can appear in unexpected places—even in frozen produce assumed to be safe. Thanks to proactive steps by Alma Pak and regulatory agencies, this particular outbreak has been contained so far. However, consumers and industry stakeholders alike must remain alert, informed, and responsive. Check your frozen food inventory, spread the word, and prioritize safety when in doubt. Awareness and action today can prevent tragedy tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What brand of blueberries was recalled in July 2025?
The recalled blueberries were frozen organic bulk blueberries produced by Alma Pak International LLC, based in Georgia, USA.
2. Why were the blueberries recalled?
They were recalled due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
3. What are the lot numbers of the affected blueberry products?
The affected lot numbers are 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096. These were shipped in 30-pound bulk boxes.
4. Were the contaminated blueberries distributed nationwide?
The blueberries were reportedly shipped to a single customer in North Carolina, but downstream distribution or repackaging may have occurred, so the FDA issued a nationwide alert urging caution.
5. What should I do if I have purchased frozen blueberries recently?
Check for packaging with the specified lot numbers. If the origin is unclear or the product matches the description, discard it immediately and sanitize any surfaces it may have touched. Monitor your health for symptoms of listeriosis and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
References
- USA Today – Blueberry recall over listeria upgraded to highest level in one state https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2025/07/03/blueberry-recall-listeria fda/84457556007/
- People Magazine – Blueberry recall has been elevated in this state due to high risk of listeria https://people.com/blueberry-recall-has-been-elevated-in-this-state-due-to-high-risk of-listeria-11766124
- Southern Living – FDA issues upgrade to blueberries recalled over listeria risk https://www.southernliving.com/fda-issues-upgrade-to-blueberries-recalled-over listeria-risk-11766393
- Health.com – Recall roundup: Turkey bacon, blueberries, and more pulled from shelves https://www.health.com/recall-roundup-turkey-bacon-blueberries-11766398
- The Sun US – Recall on blueberries grown in Georgia upgraded to highest level of risk by
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – Listeria (Listeriosis) https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/index.html
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