More than 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries have been recalled in North America after U.S. regulators flagged a potential Listeria contamination risk, triggering the Food and Drug Administration’s most serious safety classification and setting off supply-chain checks across four U.S. states and Canada.
The recall, initiated on February 12 and elevated to a Class I designation on February 24, involves bulk shipments distributed in Michigan, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as Canada. A Class I recall signals a “reasonable probability” that exposure could cause serious adverse health consequences or death, according to the FDA.
The affected product was sold under the name Willamette Valley Fruit Company and packaged in large commercial formats — not consumer retail bags — meaning the blueberries were intended primarily for food-service operators, manufacturers and institutional buyers rather than direct grocery-store purchase.
Bulk formats, not retail shelves
The recalled blueberries were shipped in 30-pound corrugated cases with polyethylene liners and 1,400-pound totes. Because the fruit was distributed in bulk, the exposure risk centers on businesses that may have used the berries in prepared foods such as smoothies, desserts, baked goods or sauces.
For supply managers and distributors, the affected lot codes are the key compliance markers.
30-Pound Case Lot Codes:
2055 B2 — Expiration July 23, 2027
2065 B1 — Expiration July 24, 2027
2065 B3 — Expiration July 24, 2027
1,400-Pound Tote Lot Codes:
3305 A1 — Expiration November 25, 2027
3305 B1 — Expiration November 25, 2027
Companies that received shipments tied to those identifiers are expected to quarantine and remove the product from distribution channels in line with recall guidance.
Why regulators classify this as high risk
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium capable of causing listeriosis, a foodborne illness that can become invasive and life-threatening in vulnerable populations. Unlike many pathogens, listeria can survive and grow in refrigerated environments, making frozen and chilled foods a particular area of vigilance.
Regulators typically reserve the Class I classification for recalls involving products where potential exposure poses substantial medical risk. According to the FDA’s food safety guidance, symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal illness to more severe neurological complications.
More detailed federal guidance on listeria risks and prevention measures can be found through the FDA’s official food safety resources available here.
Symptoms and vulnerable groups
In less severe cases, individuals may experience fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, typically lasting between one and three days. In more serious infections, symptoms may escalate to headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions.
Health officials note that certain groups face elevated risk of severe outcomes, including:
Pregnant women
Adults over 65
Young children
Individuals with compromised immune systems
Because the blueberries were not sold directly to retail consumers, individuals may not easily identify whether they consumed affected product. Those who suspect exposure and experience symptoms are advised to consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Supply-chain implications
The recall underscores the complexity of modern food distribution networks, where bulk ingredients move through multiple layers of processing before reaching consumers. Even when retail shelves are unaffected, manufacturers and restaurant operators must conduct detailed lot-trace reviews to limit downstream exposure.
Food safety teams generally implement enhanced sanitation protocols following recalls, including refrigeration-area cleaning, surface disinfection and documentation of disposal procedures. Such steps are standard practice to reduce cross-contamination risk.
While no direct consumer retail recall has been announced, the situation highlights the broader vigilance required across food production systems, particularly for products stored in cold-chain environments.
Consumers concerned about potential exposure — especially those in higher-risk categories — should monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary. Regulators continue to monitor the situation through established recall oversight processes.
