The FDA’s highest-level Class I recall of 400 boxes of organic blueberries due to deadly Listeria contamination underscores the growing food safety crisis in America, with 2024 already seeing double the food-related deaths compared to last year.
Key Takeaways
- Alma Pak International LLC recalled 400 boxes of organic blueberries on June 9 after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes, with the FDA elevating it to a Class I recall on July 1.
- The contaminated blueberries were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina and can be identified by specific lot numbers provided by the manufacturer.
- Listeria is particularly dangerous for newborns, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals, causing symptoms ranging from fever and muscle aches to serious neurological complications.
- 2024 has seen a concerning rise in food recalls with 300 incidents linked to nearly 1,400 illnesses, 487 hospitalizations, and 19 deaths – doubling the fatality numbers from 2023.
- The FDA continues to monitor the situation as part of a broader pattern of increased food safety concerns, including recent recalls of chicken fettuccine alfredo and shrimp products.
Deadly Bacteria Prompts Highest-Level FDA Recall
Georgia-based Alma Pak International LLC initiated a recall of 400 boxes of organic blueberries on June 9 after routine product testing revealed Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The FDA subsequently classified this recall as Class I on July 1, their most serious designation. The contaminated fruit was shipped exclusively to a single customer in North Carolina, with specific lot numbers identified in the recall notice. This action represents what the FDA describes as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” stated FDA.
“a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” stated FDA
Alma Pak International LLC issued a voluntary recall for 400 boxes of its organic blueberries on June 9 due to possible listeria contamination. https://t.co/D00R4WwxVY
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) July 2, 2025
Listeria monocytogenes presents a significant health threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. The CDC has identified the bacteria as “bacteria that can contaminate many foods” that “can cause invasive illness and intestinal illness.” It ranks as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States. The pathogen is especially problematic because it can survive and multiply even at refrigeration temperatures, making it difficult to control once contamination occurs.
Understanding Listeria’s Serious Health Risks
Listeria infection symptoms vary widely in severity, creating a dangerous situation for consumers who may initially dismiss mild symptoms. For healthy adults, the infection may cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, in more severe cases, particularly among vulnerable populations, the bacteria can lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. The FDA strongly advises anyone experiencing symptoms of listeriosis to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
“bacteria that can contaminate many foods,” stated CDC
The risk is particularly acute for pregnant women, as Listeria infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn. Adults over 65 and individuals with weakened immune systems also face heightened dangers from exposure. The bacteria’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and the intestinal barrier makes it uniquely dangerous compared to many other foodborne pathogens.
Alarming Increase in Food Safety Incidents
This blueberry recall highlights a disturbing trend in American food safety. The past two years have witnessed a significant surge in food recalls, with 300 recalls in 2024 alone linked to nearly 1,400 illnesses. More troubling still, these contaminations have resulted in 487 hospitalizations and 19 deaths – numbers that have doubled compared to the same period in 2023. This pattern suggests serious systemic issues in food safety protocols that should concern every American consumer.
“can cause invasive illness and intestinal illness,” stated CDC
Recent similar recalls include FreshRealm’s chicken fettuccine alfredo and Bornstein Seafoods Inc’s shrimp products, both due to potential Listeria contamination. The frequency of these high-risk recalls raises questions about the effectiveness of current food safety measures and regulatory oversight. While the FDA continues monitoring the situation with the blueberry recall, the broader pattern indicates a need for more stringent preventative measures throughout the food supply chain to protect American families.
