A large frozen blueberry recall affecting more than 55,000 pounds of product has been classified as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s highest risk level after concerns about possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected blueberries were distributed to commercial customers in four U.S. states and Canada, prompting food manufacturers, distributors and institutional kitchens to review inventory and remove impacted lots from circulation.
The recall was initiated on February 12 before the FDA upgraded it to a Class I recall on February 24. That classification is reserved for situations where consuming the product could reasonably result in serious illness or death.
The recalled blueberries were supplied by Willamette Valley Fruit Company. Unlike many food recalls involving supermarket products, these berries were shipped in bulk packaging intended for commercial use, reducing the likelihood that consumers purchased the product directly from grocery store freezers.
Where the recalled blueberries were distributed
According to recall information, the frozen blueberries were shipped to commercial customers in Michigan, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, along with destinations in Canada. Businesses receiving the product are being instructed to isolate affected inventory and prevent it from entering food production.
The berries were packaged in two commercial formats:
- 30-pound corrugated cases with polyethylene liners
- 1,400-pound industrial totes
Because these large containers are commonly used by restaurants, food processors and institutional kitchens, the berries may have been incorporated into products such as smoothies, bakery fillings, frozen desserts or sauces before reaching consumers.
Lot numbers businesses should check
Food businesses should compare inventory with the following affected lot codes and expiration dates.
30-pound cases
- 2055 B2 — Expires July 23, 2027
- 2065 B1 — Expires July 24, 2027
- 2065 B3 — Expires July 24, 2027
1,400-pound totes
- 3305 A1 — Expires November 25, 2027
- 3305 B1 — Expires November 25, 2027
Any company that identifies these lots should follow recall instructions by removing the product from use and documenting its disposal or return.
Why a Class I recall matters
Listeria monocytogenes can cause a serious infection known as listeriosis. Although healthy people sometimes experience only mild illness, the bacteria can lead to severe complications in vulnerable groups.
One reason health officials closely monitor listeria is its ability to survive and multiply even in refrigerated environments. That makes frozen and chilled foods an important focus during food safety investigations.
The FDA uses a Class I designation only for recalls involving products that present the highest level of potential health risk. Additional information about listeria and food safety guidance is available through the FDA’s official Listeria resource.
Who faces the greatest health risk
Symptoms of listeriosis often begin with fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhea. In more severe infections, people may develop headache, confusion, stiff neck, balance problems or seizures.
Health authorities say the greatest risk is for:
- Pregnant women
- Adults aged 65 and older
- Young children
- People with weakened immune systems
Anyone who develops symptoms after consuming food that may have contained the recalled blueberries should seek medical advice, particularly if they belong to one of these higher-risk groups.
Why commercial recalls still matter to consumers
Even when a recalled ingredient never appears on grocery shelves, it can still reach consumers through prepared foods sold by restaurants, bakeries, catering companies or food manufacturers. That is why bulk ingredient recalls often require extensive tracing throughout the supply chain.
Businesses typically review production records, identify every product made with the affected ingredient and notify customers if additional recalls become necessary. Cleaning equipment, sanitizing storage areas and documenting corrective actions are also standard parts of the response.
The frozen blueberry recall serves as another reminder that food safety depends on tracking ingredients from producers through manufacturers and ultimately to finished products. Similar food safety investigations have led to recalls involving frozen products in recent months, including the Aldi frozen meatballs recall linked to potential metal fragments.
At this stage, regulators have not announced a separate retail recall involving consumer-sized bags of frozen blueberries. Businesses that received the affected shipments are expected to continue following recall guidance while health authorities monitor the situation.
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