Charlotte, N.C. — Concerns over food safety have led to a recall of hundreds of boxes of organic blueberries due to potential listeria contamination, the Food and Drug Administration announced. Alma Pak International LLC initiated the voluntary recall on June 9, affecting approximately 400 boxes, each weighing 30 pounds.
On July 1, the FDA raised the alarm by classifying the recall as a Class I risk, the most serious designation which indicates a reasonable likelihood that consuming or coming into contact with the contaminated product could result in severe health issues or even death.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that poses significant risks, particularly to vulnerable populations. According to health experts, those most at risk include young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The FDA cautions that while healthy adults may experience only mild symptoms—such as fever, headache, and gastrointestinal distress—listeria infections can lead to serious complications, including miscarriages in pregnant women.
The affected blueberries were shipped to a customer in North Carolina and have been assigned lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096. The contamination was detected during routine testing at the company, prompting the recall to prevent potential health risks to consumers.
Consumers who may have purchased these blueberries are advised to discard them or return them to the point of sale for a refund. The FDA strongly encourages anyone who has experienced unusual symptoms after consuming these products to seek medical advice.
Food safety remains a critical issue, and incidents like this underscore the importance of vigilance at all stages of food production. Both regulators and consumers must remain proactive to mitigate risks associated with contaminated food products.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged consumers to stay informed about food safety recalls. This recall serves as a reminder of the potential hazards present in our food supply and the importance of compliance with health regulations by producers.