The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall, the agency's highest alert level, for 12,000 pounds of organic blueberries produced by Alma Pak International due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium responsible for serious illness and even death.
The recall was initially voluntary and began on June 9, 2025, after routine testing at Alma Pak’s facility in Atlanta, Georgia, revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in 400 boxes of blueberries, each weighing 30 pounds. These contaminated blueberries were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina, marked with lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096.
On July 1, 2025, the FDA escalated the situation to a Class I recall, signaling a "reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." This classification underscores the gravity of the contamination, despite the relatively limited distribution of the product.
Listeria monocytogenes is a particularly insidious pathogen because it can grow in refrigerated environments, making it a persistent threat in food products like fresh produce. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeriosis—the infection caused by Listeria—results in approximately 260 deaths annually in the United States, ranking it as the third deadliest foodborne illness in the country.
Symptoms of listeriosis can vary but commonly include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. However, in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, the infection can lead to severe complications such as meningitis, bloodstream infections, miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infections in newborns.
Health experts advise that anyone who has recently purchased organic blueberries, especially in bulk or from smaller retailers, should carefully check the lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096. If the product matches, consumers are urged to dispose of it immediately or return it to the place of purchase. Additionally, they should monitor themselves for symptoms of listeriosis and seek medical attention promptly if any signs of illness develop, particularly if they belong to a high-risk group.
“Listeria’s early symptoms look like regular flu, but delaying treatment can be fatal when it attacks your brain,” warned a microbiologist, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and response.
The FDA’s swift action in this case reflects growing concerns about food safety and the increasing frequency of Listeria-related recalls across the United States. In 2024 alone, there were roughly 300 food recalls linked to various contaminants, resulting in approximately 1,400 illnesses, 487 hospitalizations, and 19 deaths—double the fatalities recorded in 2023. Listeria was the second leading cause of food recalls last year, accounting for nearly 15 percent of all recall events.
This blueberry recall comes on the heels of another significant Listeria outbreak in June 2025, when FreshRealm voluntarily recalled ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals nationwide after the contamination caused 17 illnesses, including three deaths and one fetal loss across 13 states. These incidents highlight the ongoing vulnerabilities in the food supply chain and the critical need for vigilant testing and monitoring.
Consumers are encouraged to adopt best practices to minimize the risk of Listeria infection. This includes thoroughly washing all fresh produce before consumption, regularly cleaning refrigerator surfaces and containers, and staying informed about FDA recall announcements through official channels like FoodSafety.gov.
The FDA has not confirmed whether the contaminated blueberries were redistributed beyond the initial customer in North Carolina, leaving some uncertainty about the potential reach of the tainted products. Alma Pak International has not publicly commented on the recall.
For those who may have consumed the recalled blueberries and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions, immediate medical consultation is advised. Pregnant women, in particular, should be vigilant, as listeriosis can have devastating effects on pregnancy outcomes.
While blueberries are generally celebrated for their health benefits—such as improving blood pressure and reducing inflammation—this recall starkly illustrates how contamination can turn a wholesome food into a serious health hazard.
As food recalls continue to rise, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex challenges facing food safety regulators, producers, and consumers alike. Vigilance, transparency, and prompt action remain essential tools in preventing outbreaks and protecting public health.
