The FDA has issued a recall for 400 boxes of organic blueberries contaminated with deadly Listeria bacteria, elevating the action to its highest risk category as food recalls surge to alarming levels across America.
Key Takeaways
- Alma Pak International LLC recalled 400 boxes of organic blueberries after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes contamination
- The FDA classified this as a Class I recall on July 1, indicating a “reasonable probability” of serious health consequences or death
- The contaminated products were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina and can be identified by specific lot numbers
- Listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., particularly dangerous for elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals
- Food recalls have dramatically increased in 2024, with 300 recalls linked to nearly 1,400 illnesses, 487 hospitalizations, and 19 deaths—double the numbers from 2023
Deadly Bacteria Triggers Highest-Level FDA Recall
Georgia-based Alma Pak International LLC initiated the recall of 400 boxes of organic blueberries on June 9 after routine product testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The FDA subsequently classified the recall as Class I on July 1, their most serious designation. The agency defines a Class I recall 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,” according to the FDA.
The contaminated blueberries were shipped exclusively to a single customer in North Carolina and can be identified by specific lot numbers provided in the recall notice. While no illnesses have been reported so far in connection with these products, the potential danger cannot be understated. Listeria is particularly threatening because, unlike many pathogens, it can thrive at refrigeration temperatures, potentially multiplying in foods even when properly stored.
Listeria: A Silent and Deadly Threat
The CDC describes Listeria as “bacteria that can contaminate many foods” and notes that it “can cause invasive illness and intestinal illness,” according to the CDC. The pathogen is especially dangerous for specific vulnerable populations. Symptoms range from mild fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to severe manifestations including headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. For pregnant women, Listeria infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
“Bacteria that can contaminate many foods” and notes that it “can cause invasive illness and intestinal illness,” according to the CDC.
Adults over 65 and individuals with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness. What makes Listeria particularly insidious is its ability to spread beyond the gut to other parts of the body, potentially causing fatal infections of the bloodstream or brain. This bacterial threat represents the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, underscoring the importance of the FDA’s swift action.
Part of a Disturbing Trend in Food Safety
The blueberry recall is just one example in an alarming pattern of increased food safety issues in 2024. Recent recalls due to Listeria risk include FreshRealm’s chicken fettuccine alfredo and Bornstein Seafoods Inc’s shrimp, highlighting the widespread nature of contamination concerns. Food safety data reveals a troubling trajectory: 2024 has already seen 300 food recalls linked to nearly 1,400 illnesses across the country.
Of these cases, 487 required hospitalization and 19 resulted in death—effectively doubling the numbers reported in 2023. This dramatic increase raises serious questions about our food safety infrastructure and regulatory effectiveness. While the FDA continues to monitor the situation with the contaminated blueberries, consumers should remain vigilant about food safety announcements and check their refrigerators for potentially affected products.
Protecting Your Family
The FDA advises anyone experiencing symptoms of listeriosis to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Those who have purchased organic blueberries should check the product information against the recall details. The contaminated products can be identified by specific lot numbers provided in the recall notice. Consumers who discover they have purchased affected products should not consume them but instead return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them properly.
“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,” according to the FDA.
This latest recall serves as an important reminder of the critical role that food safety agencies play in protecting public health. Despite the challenges in maintaining perfect safety across our complex food supply chain, the swift identification and recall of contaminated products demonstrates that the system, while imperfect, continues to function as a vital safeguard for American consumers. Stay informed, check your food products against recall notices, and practice proper food handling to minimize your risk.
