60,000 Pounds of Frozen Blueberries Recalled Nationwide Under FDA’s Most Serious Alert

Nearly 60,000 pounds of frozen blueberries have been recalled nationwide after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a Class I recall, its most serious level of alert, due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness or death, especially in vulnerable populations such as older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems. The recall covers bulk shipments that were distributed to food service operators and distributors in several U.S. states and into Canada, prompting urgent warnings for institutions and food businesses to check their inventories immediately.

The affected product is individually quick frozen (IQF) blueberries supplied by Willamette Valley Fruit Company, a division of Oregon Potato Company LLC, and primarily packaged in 30-pound cases and 1,400-pound industrial totes. These large packaging sizes indicate that the blueberries were intended for commercial use rather than direct retail sale in grocery stores, but food service facilities, cafeterias, kitchens and distributors that use frozen fruit should still confirm whether they have impacted lots.

The FDA’s Class I recall designation means officials believe there is a reasonable probability that consuming the contaminated blueberries could cause serious adverse health consequences or death, making it critical for businesses and consumers to take these warnings seriously, compare product details against recall information and remove affected items from circulation.

Which Blueberries Are Affected and Why

The recall applies to specific frozen blueberry products packed by Willamette Valley Fruit Company. The affected items include the Willamette Valley Fruit Company (distributed by Oregon Potato Company LLC) 30-pound corrugated cases and 1,400-pound industrial totes with best dates for 30-pound cases of July 23, 2027 and July 24, 2027 and for the 1,400-pound totes with November 25, 2027.These dates are critical identifiers that help operators determine whether a package is part of the recall, and the blue labels on these bulk containers should be compared against official recall notices to confirm whether they match the impacted products.

Food service establishments, commercial kitchens, distributors and institutions that received frozen blueberries should inspect every box or tote in their freezers for the listed best-by dates. If any matches are found, those products should be discarded immediately and never served to customers or clients, even if they appear normal or free of visible spoilage.

Because these blueberries were distributed widely across regions and into Canada, businesses outside the initial states mentioned should not assume they are unaffected. Recall notices can expand or be updated as new distribution information becomes available, so checking against the full list of details remains a vital step for food safety compliance.

Health Risks of Listeria and What Consumers Should Know

Listeria monocytogenes can cause an infection called listeriosis, which may start with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. More serious cases can result in headaches, stiff neck, confusion or even death, particularly among those with compromised immune systems, pregnant people and older adults. Symptoms can begin days or even weeks after exposure, making timely awareness and medical evaluation essential if exposure is suspected.

If a person believes they have consumed blueberries that may be part of the recall and experiences symptoms of Listeria infection, they should seek medical attention promptly and tell their healthcare provider about potential exposure. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

Healthcare providers, food safety professionals and food service operators also recommend thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing any equipment or surfaces that may have been in contact with the recalled blueberries, as Listeria can be persistent in food environments and cross-contamination could occur if proper cleaning protocols are not followed.

How to Respond to the Recall and Stay Safe

The scope of this recall highlights the importance of checking product labels carefully, especially in commercial food settings that use frozen fruit in recipes, buffets or menu items. Operators should compare every blueberry shipment in storage against the brand, packaging size and best-by dates listed in official recall notices, and remove any matches without delay.

Retailers and food service establishments may be eligible for refunds or replacements through their supplier, so contacting the distributor or retailer with recalled product information can help ensure proper handling and reimbursement. Staying up to date with FDA alerts and supplier communication is key to responding quickly to food safety issues.

For individuals or establishments unsure whether they have the recalled product, the FDA’s online recall resources and official notifications provide ongoing updates. Checking these resources regularly and acting on recall details promptly helps protect public health and prevents contaminated products from being inadvertently used or served.