Amid a recall of fresh blueberries over listeria fears, experts are warning that a simple water rinse is insufficient to remove harmful bacteria and pesticides. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes in blueberries from Alma Pak International LLC, based in Georgia.
Four hundred boxes—totalling 12,000 pounds—were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina, but it remains unclear whether the berries were distributed further. Listeria poses a severe risk to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, causing fever, muscle aches, and potentially life-threatening infections.
Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart consulted food scientists who recommend washing blueberries with a vinegar or baking soda solution. Food scientist Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., advised mixing three parts cold water with one part white vinegar, soaking the berries for five to ten minutes, then rinsing with cold water. Alternatively, dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in two cups of cold water, soak for five to ten minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Experts caution that soaking longer than 15 minutes can degrade the berry skin and affect flavour. They also stress washing berries just before eating, not upon purchase, as residual moisture can cause spoilage. After washing, berries should be dried completely and stored in a breathable container lined with a paper towel.
