Fresh blueberries have been recalled by a major company after routine testing found that the berries were possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The impacted products were shipped to retail grocery stores in 24 states and sold in the District of Columbia. It could have been delivered to consumers through retail stores such as the following names:
Identifying the Recalled Products
The recall applies to fresh blueberries sold under the “Nature’s Pick” and “Berry Valley” labels in pint-sized plastic clamshell containers. The packages have UPCs 123456789012 and 123456789029 and “Best Before” dates of June 25 through July 15, 2025. This information is printed on the bottom of each container for all consumers.
Known Distribution Areas
The infected blueberries made it to stores in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and 20 other states, health officials said. The FDA is collaborating with distributors to determine where else it is affected and to pull products from shelves. A full list of those recalls is posted on the FDA’s website.
Signs of Listeria Infection to Look Out For
Infection with Listeria can produce fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Young children, pregnant women, people older than 65, and those with weakened immune systems may face more serious complications. It generally develops 1 to 4 weeks after eating food that has been contaminated, although symptoms can occur as early as a few days after exposure or as late as 70 days after exposure.
Immediate Actions for Consumers
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. All blueberries that were frozen should also be tossed, because Listeria can survive freezing temperatures.
Company Response and Investigation
The grower, Oregon Berry Farms of Oregon, has made the recall voluntarily and suspended production at its Washington state business. FDA investigators are currently conducting an environmental investigation to identify the source of the contamination. Early indications showed the bacteria might have entered during a washing process.
Current Illness Reports
As of the end of the day yesterday, the CDC indicated there were 7 confirmed cases of listeriosis that could be associated with this outbreak. “Three were hospitalized, one of whom was pregnant and had complications of pregnancy. So far, there have been no deaths.
High-Risk Group Precautions
Pregnant women in particular should be wary, since an infection of Listeria in pregnancy could lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in a newborn. Elderly or immunocompromised persons should be aware of possible symptoms and seek medical attention within a day if they encounter symptoms suggestive of the disease.
Retailer Notification Process
Major grocery chains, such as Safeway, Kroger, and Publix, have pulled the affected products from shelves. Recall notices are being posted in stores at checkout counters and customer service desks. Some grocers are providing automated phone alerts to customers who bought the berries through loyalty programs.
Proper Disposal Methods
Consumers are advised to bag the recalled blueberries in two plastic bags and then dispose of them in a trash receptacle with a tight-fitting lid, so that animals or persons other than landfill personnel cannot access the recalled product. Cutting boards, storage containers, or counter tops that held the berries you purchased from the store should be washed with hot, soapy water.
FDA Testing Procedures
The contamination was found during the FDA’s ongoing sampling program that analyzes roughly 1,000 food samples every month for pathogens. The positive Listeria result prompted action under the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Section 206 mandatory recall authority.
Industry-Wide Impact
This recall has caused other blueberry farmers to re-evaluate their safety procedures. An emergency meeting has been convened by the U.S. Blueberry Council to consider additional industry-wide safety practices to help prevent future incidents of contamination.
Consumer Protection Information
Patrons sickened after eating the product from the affected company could receive compensation through the manufacturer’s insurance policy. The consumer complaint portal of the FDA website is available for consumers to report illnesses or quality problems.
