Major Frozen Blueberry Recall Issued Over Listeria Contamination Concerns
Oregon Potato Company LLC has initiated a significant voluntary recall of nearly 60,000 pounds of frozen blueberries distributed across four American states and Canada due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, which was originally issued earlier this month, was recently elevated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to a Class I status, indicating a serious public health risk.
Scope and Details of the Recall
The affected product consists of individually quick-frozen blueberries packaged in two formats:
- 30-pound cases with polyethylene liners, identified by lot codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1, and 2065 B3, with expiration dates of July 23 and July 24, 2027.
- 1,400-pound totes identified by lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, with an expiration date of November 25, 2027.
According to the FDA's enforcement report, these blueberries were not sold directly to consumers through retail stores but were distributed to food service and manufacturing facilities. The distribution network included the states of Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as various locations in Canada.
Health Risks and FDA Classification
The FDA defines a Class I recall as a situation where there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or even death. Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium known to cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can lead to severe illness.
Short-term symptoms in healthy individuals may include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiffness
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for approximately 172 fatalities annually. The bacteria can contaminate a wide range of foods and cause both invasive and intestinal illnesses.
Current Status and Broader Context
As of now, there have been no reported illnesses linked to this specific recall. However, this incident is part of a broader pattern of listeria-related food recalls in the United States. For instance, in November 2025, the Ambriola Company recalled select cheese products, including some under the Boar's Head brand, after routine testing confirmed listeria presence. That recall was also elevated to Class I status in January 2026 and affected distribution across 20 states.
Consumers and businesses in the affected regions are urged to check their inventory for the specified lot codes and expiration dates. Proper disposal or return of the product is recommended to prevent any potential health risks. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and advises vigilance regarding food safety protocols.
