The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall, its highest risk classification, for 400 boxes of organic blueberries distributed by Alma Pak International LLC. This urgent alert comes after the detection of *Listeria monocytogenes*, a dangerous bacterium, during routine testing of the product.
The voluntary recall was initially issued by Alma Pak International LLC, a Georgia-based manufacturer, on June 9, 2025. However, on July 1, 2025, the FDA elevated the recall to Class I status, signifying a “reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to the agency. This classification underscores the severe potential health risks associated with consuming the contaminated blueberries. (MassLive, The Economic Times)
The recalled product consists of 400 boxes of organic blueberries, each weighing 30 pounds, totaling 12,000 pounds. These blueberries bear the lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096. The affected produce was shipped to a single commercial customer in North Carolina on or before June 9, 2025. While the blueberries were not sold directly to consumers in their original bulk packaging, there is a possibility they could have been used in foodservice settings, commercial baking, or repackaged for retail sale, potentially reaching consumers indirectly. (Green Matters, Yahoo News)
*Listeria monocytogenes* is a particularly concerning foodborne pathogen because, unlike many other bacteria, it can survive and even thrive in cold temperatures, meaning contaminated fruit remains hazardous even when frozen. Infection with Listeria, known as listeriosis, can manifest with symptoms ranging from high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in healthy individuals. However, for vulnerable populations, the consequences can be far more severe.
Pregnant women are at significant risk, as listeriosis can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths. Young children, frail or elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems are also highly susceptible to serious, sometimes fatal, infections. In these groups, symptoms can escalate to severe complications such as headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, loss of coordination, and seizures. Listeria infection is tragically the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, accounting for approximately 260 deaths annually. (The Economic Times)
This is not the first time Alma Pak International LLC has faced a product recall. In June 2019, the company recalled frozen blackberries due to Norovirus contamination, highlighting a history of quality control issues. (Green Matters)
Consumers who believe they may have purchased or consumed Alma Pak organic blueberries, especially those in North Carolina who may have acquired bulk or repackaged organic frozen blueberries from smaller grocers, farmers’ markets, or co-ops, are urged to take immediate action. It is recommended to check with distributors or retailers to determine if the affected lot codes were received. Any product matching the description and lot numbers should be discarded immediately. Furthermore, any surfaces, containers, or equipment that may have come into contact with the berries should be thoroughly sanitized.
If you or anyone you know experiences symptoms consistent with listeriosis after consuming blueberries, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. The FDA’s Class I recall serves as a critical warning, emphasizing the serious health threat posed by this contamination and the importance of vigilance to prevent illness.
