In a significant public health alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has elevated a recall of organic blueberries to its highest risk classification, Class I, due to contamination with the dangerous bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The recall, initiated by Georgia-based Alma Pak International LLC on June 9, 2025, involves 400 boxes of organic blueberries, each weighing 30 pounds, totaling 12,000 pounds of potentially contaminated fruit.
The affected blueberries bear the lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096 and were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina. While it remains unclear whether these berries were further distributed beyond this recipient, the FDA's action underscores the serious risks posed by Listeria contamination in food products.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a foodborne illness with symptoms ranging from mild flu-like manifestations to severe, life-threatening complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms often begin with fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, in vulnerable populations — including newborns, pregnant women, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems — the infection can progress to severe neurological conditions such as meningitis, confusion, seizures, loss of coordination, and even death.
The FDA's Class I recall designation indicates a "reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." This is the most severe type of recall the agency can issue, reflecting the gravity of the contamination. As the CDC estimates, listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for approximately 260 deaths annually out of around 1,600 cases.
Alma Pak International LLC voluntarily initiated the recall after routine testing of their finished product revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The company has stated that the affected product was fully recovered before reaching the retail market, meaning no contaminated blueberries were sold to consumers. Alma Pak has been cooperating closely with the FDA, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and an independent food safety consultant to investigate the incident thoroughly.
In a statement to Newsweek, Alma Pak emphasized their commitment to food safety and transparency: "Alma Pak International remains deeply committed to the highest standards of food safety, transparency, and continuous improvement, and to maintaining the trust of our customers and partners." They also noted that they have implemented additional corrective actions and preventive controls to strengthen their existing food safety systems, which include comprehensive testing and a rigorous environmental monitoring program.
Experts in food safety have weighed in on the risks posed by Listeria. Haley F. Oliver, a professor of food science at Purdue University, explained, "Listeria monocytogenes is a common microorganism that can be found in the natural environment, for example in soil. There are many factors that determine if someone gets listeriosis — a listeria infection. In most instances, an immunocompromised person, so young, old, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised, must eat contaminated food. The number of bacteria resulting in infection and the amount of time before illness varies considerably." She highlighted the variability in symptoms, which can include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance.
Mary O'Riordan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, pointed out Listeria's unusual ability to grow at refrigerated temperatures. She said, "Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home, are a place where listeria can keep growing." She added that early symptoms often resemble other foodborne illnesses, which can delay diagnosis. "Unfortunately, sometimes listeria can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis. In those cases, if people experience headache, stiff neck or confusion, they should seek urgent medical attention."
While blueberries are generally considered low-risk for Listeria due to their low pH environment, outbreaks linked to these fruits are rare but not unprecedented. For example, a frozen blueberry recall was issued in 2022 due to Listeria concerns, though no illnesses were reported at that time.
The current recall of blueberries occurs amid a broader surge in foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls in 2024 and 2025. Notably, in June 2025, FreshRealm voluntarily recalled chicken fettuccine alfredo products after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service detected the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes. That outbreak led to three deaths, one fetal loss, and 17 injuries across 13 states. Similarly, Bornstein Seafoods recalled over 44,000 pounds of cooked and peeled ready-to-eat shrimp meat due to routine sampling detecting Listeria.
These incidents reflect an alarming rise in food recalls and hospitalizations linked to foodborne pathogens. A Public Interest Research Group report revealed that approximately 300 food recalls were issued in 2024, connected to nearly 1,400 illnesses, with 487 hospitalizations and 19 deaths. These figures represent a doubling of hospitalizations and deaths compared to 2023.
The FDA advises consumers to check for the affected lot numbers and avoid consuming any recalled blueberries. Anyone who has consumed the product and experiences symptoms consistent with listeriosis, such as fever and muscle aches, should seek medical attention promptly. The CDC notes that symptoms can develop within days or even weeks after exposure and that early treatment is critical to prevent severe outcomes.
Alma Pak International's recall is ongoing, and the company continues to work with regulatory authorities to ensure food safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by foodborne pathogens and the importance of vigilant testing, monitoring, and swift action to protect public health.
As the blueberry season peaks in Georgia, typically from mid-April through the end of July, consumers are urged to stay informed and exercise caution. This recall not only highlights the risks associated with Listeria but also underscores the critical role of food safety protocols in preventing outbreaks that can have devastating consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations.
