55000 Pounds of Blueberries Have Been Recalled

55000 Blueberries Have Been Recalled

Federal health officials have issued a major food safety alert after more than 55000 pounds of frozen blueberries were recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe, and in some cases life-threatening, illness.

The recall was voluntarily initiated by Oregon Potato Company LLC, which operates under the Willamette Valley Fruit Company brand. On February 12, 2026, the company first announced the recall of roughly 55000 pounds of individually quick-frozen blueberries. The recall was elevated to Class I on February 24 after further review by the FDA. “The Oregon Potato Company first issued a recall of its IQF Blueberries on Feb. 12, but the FDA on Tuesday upgraded that recall to a “Class I,” which, according to the agency, means there is a “reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” according to NBC News.

The 55000 frozen blueberries were not sold directly to consumers through retail stores. Instead, they were distributed in large quantities, including 30-pound corrugated cases and 1,400-pound industrial totes, to food manufacturers, service distributors, and other commercial customers in Michigan, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as in Canada.

Affected products are identified by specific lot codes and expiration dates. The 30-pound cases carry the lot codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1 and 2065 B3, with best-by dates in July 2027. The 1,400-pound totes are labeled 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, with best-by dates in November 2027. “Recalled berries were packed in 30-pound corrugated cases and 1,400-pound totes of individually quick frozen blueberries,” according to ABC 11 News.

Listeria monocytogenes is a hardy bacteria that can survive at refrigerator and freezer temperatures, making frozen products like berries a notable risk if contamination occurs. Eating food contaminated with Listeria can lead to listeriosis, an infection that can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and seizures.

For pregnant individuals, infection can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or severe illness in newborns.

At the time of the announcement, no illnesses had been reported in connection with the 55000 recalled blueberries. However, the FDA and health experts continue to urge caution, as symptoms of listeriosis can appear days to weeks after exposure.

Individuals who believe they may have eaten contaminated blueberries and develop symptoms are advised to seek medical attention promptly.

Sources:

NBC News: Over 55,000 pounds of blueberries recalled for potentially fatal listeria contamination

ABC11 News: More than 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries recalled due to possible listeria contamination

Featured Image Courtesy of Gloria Cabada-Leman’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

Inset Image Courtesy of Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License