On February 12, 2026, a significant food safety alert rippled through the supply chain when Willamette Valley Fruit Company, operating out of Salem, Oregon under the parentage of Oregon Potato Company, voluntarily recalled nearly 56,000 pounds of frozen blueberries. The reason? Potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium notorious for causing serious—and sometimes fatal—foodborne illness. The recall, which was upgraded to the highest risk level by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 24, 2026, has sparked concern among food distributors, health officials, and anyone who works in environments where these berries might be handled.
According to the FDA and as reported by Nexstar, the recall involves 55,689 pounds of individually quick-frozen (IQF) blueberries. These weren’t the pint-sized containers you might find in your local grocery’s freezer aisle. Instead, the affected products were packed in hefty 30-pound corrugated cases and industrial-sized 1,400-pound totes. The blueberries were distributed to businesses and distribution centers in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and as far as Canada. Importantly, the FDA emphasized that these berries were not sold directly to consumers in retail stores, a detail echoed by multiple outlets including USA Today and Fox Business.
For those tracking lot numbers and expiration dates, the recall covers 30-pound cases with lot codes 2055 B2 (best by July 23, 2027), 2065 B1 and 2065 B3 (both best by July 24, 2027). The 1,400-pound totes are marked with lot codes 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, both expiring on November 25, 2027. These products are typically destined for food manufacturers, bulk supply chains, and institutional kitchens rather than household freezers.
The FDA’s Class I designation is nothing to shrug off. This is the agency’s most severe recall classification, reserved for situations where exposure to the product carries a “reasonable probability” of causing “serious adverse health consequences or death.” As Fox Business noted, listeria-related recalls often receive this high-risk label because of the bacterium’s dangerous potential. Listeria monocytogenes is resilient—it can survive refrigeration and even freezing, making it a persistent threat in cold storage environments.
So, what exactly makes Listeria monocytogenes so hazardous? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this bacterium can cause a spectrum of illness. The initial symptoms, which can appear within 24 hours of consuming contaminated food, include diarrhea and vomiting. For most healthy adults, these symptoms may last just a few days and resolve on their own. However, things can take a dangerous turn if the infection progresses beyond the intestines. Invasive listeriosis, which typically develops within two weeks, can bring fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and even seizures.
The stakes are even higher for certain groups. Pregnant women, for example, might experience only mild or no symptoms, but the risks to the fetus are severe—listeria can lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, or life-threatening illness in newborns. The elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems are also at heightened risk for severe or fatal complications. CDC data cited by Nexstar highlights the gravity: nearly one in six cases of invasive listeriosis not associated with pregnancy results in death. In the United States, listeria is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness, responsible for about 172 deaths annually.
Despite the alarming nature of the recall, the risk to the average consumer remains low. As EatingWell pointed out, these blueberries were not available for sale at retail outlets, so the odds of finding them in a typical home freezer are slim. Instead, the recall primarily impacts businesses that process or handle bulk frozen fruit. For those in the food industry who might have received the affected lots, the FDA advises immediate disposal and to contact the company for a refund. If there’s any suspicion of exposure and symptoms develop—such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea—medical attention should be sought promptly.
Why does this kind of contamination happen in the first place? Listeria monocytogenes is typically transmitted where food is harvested and processed. Its ability to survive and thrive in cold, damp environments—like those found in food manufacturing plants—makes it a persistent challenge for producers of frozen foods. According to Fox Business, the bacterium can easily contaminate equipment, surfaces, and products if strict hygiene protocols are not meticulously followed.
The recall notice, which was initiated via email and remains ongoing, has left some questions unanswered. For instance, neither the FDA nor Willamette Valley Fruit Company has specified exactly which businesses or food service operations received the recalled blueberries. Nexstar reported that attempts to reach the company for further details were unsuccessful.
For those following the story, the recall is a stark reminder of the complex journey food takes from farm to table—and how even a superfood like blueberries can become a vector for danger if contamination occurs at any point. The incident also highlights the importance of robust regulatory oversight and the value of swift, transparent communication from both companies and government agencies when public health is at stake.
It’s worth noting that this recall is just one of several high-profile food safety incidents in recent months. As The Oregonian and Statesman Journal have reported, recalls for products ranging from peanut butter to cake mix have also made headlines, underscoring the ongoing vigilance required in the food industry. Each incident, while unsettling, serves as a crucial learning opportunity for producers, regulators, and consumers alike.
For now, the Willamette Valley Fruit Company recall stands as a cautionary tale: even foods celebrated for their health benefits are not immune to the realities of modern food production. With the FDA’s highest-level warning in place and distribution limited to the supply chain, the hope is that the swift action taken will prevent any serious illness or tragedy. As always, those in the food business—and anyone who might come into contact with these bulk blueberries—are urged to stay informed, follow recall guidance, and prioritize safety above all else.
Food safety, it seems, is never something to take for granted—even when it comes to the humble blueberry.