his week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of 24,497 kilograms (55,689 pounds) of frozen blueberries due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The product was distributed in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Canada.
The fruit was produced and shipped by the U.S.-based company Oregon Potato Company. Although the recall began on February 12, the FDA classified it as a Class I recall on February 24, warning that exposure to the bacteria could cause serious health consequences, including death.
The product was not intended for direct retail sale to consumers, but exclusively for companies within the food supply chain. It was distributed in 13.6-kilogram (30-pound) packages and 635-kilogram (1,400-pound) industrial containers.
The FDA specified that the affected lots correspond to codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1, and 2065 B3 for the boxes, with expiration dates of July 23 and 24, 2027; and 3305 A1 and 3305 B1 for the industrial containers, with an expiration date of November 25, 2027.
The products were packaged in polyethylene bags inside corrugated cardboard boxes and industrial containers adapted for bulk transport.
The regulatory agency urged all companies in the supply chain to verify the indicated codes and dates and to keep the affected lots out of circulation. The health alert remains in effect, and businesses are advised not to handle or use these blueberries under any circumstances.
Authorities also reminded that, in the event of accidental contact, strict hygiene measures should be followed to prevent cross-contamination, as Listeria monocytogenes can survive at low temperatures and spread to other foods.
