Major Frozen Blueberry Recall Issued Across Multiple States and Canada
Oregon Potato Company LLC has initiated a significant voluntary recall affecting approximately 55,689 pounds of individually quick-frozen blueberries due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium known to cause serious illness. The recall, which was first announced earlier this month, has now been elevated to a Class I designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicating a situation where there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the product could result in severe adverse health consequences or even death.
Distribution and Product Details
The affected frozen blueberries were distributed across four American states—Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin—as well as in Canada. Importantly, these products were not sold directly to consumers through retail stores but were instead packaged for commercial use. The blueberries came in two primary packaging formats: 30-pound cases with polyethylene liners and larger 1,400-pound totes.
Consumers and businesses can identify the recalled products by specific lot codes and expiration dates. For the 30-pound cases, the lot codes are 2055 B2, 2065 B1, and 2065 B3, with expiration dates set for July 23 and July 24, 2027. The larger totes are marked with lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1 and have an expiration date of November 25, 2027.
Health Risks Associated with Listeria
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria bacteria can contaminate a wide variety of foods and pose significant health risks upon consumption. While symptoms can vary, a Listeria infection may lead to invasive illness or intestinal distress. In healthy individuals, short-term symptoms often include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Alarmingly, Listeria infection ranks as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the United States, responsible for approximately 172 fatalities annually. This underscores the critical importance of the recall and the need for vigilance among distributors and consumers alike.
Current Status and Broader Context
As of now, there have been no reported illnesses linked to this specific blueberry recall. However, the FDA's Class I classification highlights the serious nature of the potential contamination. This recall is part of a broader trend of food safety concerns in the U.S., where several products have recently been pulled from the market due to Listeria risks.
For instance, in November 2025, the Ambriola Company recalled select cheese products, including some under the Boar's Head brand, after routine testing confirmed the presence of Listeria. That recall was also elevated to Class I in January 2026 and affected distribution in 20 states, spanning from Arizona to Wisconsin. These incidents collectively emphasize the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety and the proactive measures being taken by companies and regulatory bodies to mitigate risks.
Consumers and businesses who may have purchased or received the recalled frozen blueberries are urged to check the lot codes and expiration dates immediately and dispose of any affected products. For further information, they should contact Oregon Potato Company LLC or refer to the FDA's official enforcement reports for updates.
