The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall enforcement notice for more than 55,600 pounds of frozen blueberries distributed by Oregon Potato Company (OPC) due to potential listeria monocytogenes contamination.
Listeria monocytogenes are disease-causing bacteria able to survive refrigeration and even freezing. Although it is unlikely for healthy people to become very ill from listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, the disease can be fatal to newborns and those with autoimmune conditions. Pregnant women and people over the age of 65 may also suffer very serious symptoms.
No press release was issued for this recall, though the notice indicates that it is voluntary and initiated by the Salem-based firm on Feb. 12. The FDA’s Feb. 24 Class I classification indicates a reasonable risk of adverse health consequences or death, although the product was not sold direct to consumers in retail. The report does not state where the products were sold.
Four states – Michigan, Oregon, Wisconsin, Washington – and Canada are affected. Two types of packaging are named in the notice: 1400 lbs. totes and 30 lbs. corrugated bags lined with polyethylene.
The 1400 lbs. totes have lot codes of 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, both expiring on Nov. 25 2027.
Lot codes for the implicated 30 lbs. cases are 2055 B2, 2065 B1, and 2065 B3. The former expires on Jul. 23 2027, while the latter two is set to expire on Jul. 24 2027.
The FDA has yet to issue consumer-specific guidance on next steps, and the recall is listed as ongoing.
Source: FDA notice
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