FDA Class I Recall of 55,689 Pounds of Blueberries

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified a recall of 55,689 pounds of frozen blueberries as Class I, its highest severity level, due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. The voluntary recall, initiated by Oregon-based Oregon Potato Company on February 12, affects products distributed to food manufacturers and service distributors in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Canada.

The affected blueberries, packaged under the Willamette Valley Fruit Company brand, were not sold directly to retail consumers. They include 30-pound cases in polyethylene bags and 1,400-pound totes in polyethylene liners. The 30-pound cases carry lot codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1 and 2065 B3, with expiration dates of July 23 or 24, 2027. The totes have lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, expiring on November 25, 2027. Officials upgraded the recall to Class I on February 24, indicating a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death from exposure.

Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, sewage, rotting vegetation and animals, can survive refrigeration and multiply in unsanitary conditions. It typically contaminates food...