Urgent Food Safety Alert: Frozen Blueberries Recalled Over Listeria Risk
Federal health officials have issued a major recall on a large quantity of frozen blueberries due to the potential presence of Listeria monocytogenes—a dangerous food-borne bacterium that can cause serious illness and, in severe cases, death. This recall was recently upgraded to a Class I recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is the most serious type of health risk classification.
📦 What’s Being Recalled
Approximately 55,689 pounds of individually quick-frozen blueberries produced by Oregon Potato Company LLC under the name Willamette Valley Fruit Company have been recalled.
The recall was first initiated on February 12, 2026 and was elevated to a Class I recall on February 24, 2026.
The affected products were packaged in both 30-pound cases and 1,400-pound totes.
These products were not sold directly to consumers in retail stores; instead, they were distributed to food service customers and suppliers across several regions.
📍 Where the Product Was Distributed
The affected blueberries were shipped to customers in:
Michigan
Oregon
Washington
Wisconsin
Parts of Canada (People.com)
Because these items weren’t sold at retail locations, most consumers likely do not have them in their homes—but food service outlets and businesses should check their inventories carefully.
🦠 Why This Matters
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can survive and even grow in refrigerated conditions. While many people experience mild symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, fever, or muscle aches, infections can become serious or life-threatening, particularly for:
Older adults
Pregnant people (can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth)
Newborns
People with weakened immune systems
The CDC reports that invasive listeriosis can result in severe complications and even death, which is why the FDA treats this situation with the highest level of urgency.
🛑 What You Should Do
Businesses and recipients who may have received this product should not use or serve it.
If these blueberries are found in your freezer or storage, they should be discarded immediately.
Anyone exposed who develops symptoms—especially fever, muscle aches, nausea, or neurological symptoms—should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
At this time, no illnesses have been publicly linked to this specific recall, but health officials are urging prompt action because of the risk involved.
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