• A critical alert was issued by the FDA concerning a recall of numerous packages of organic blueberries produced in Georgia due to high risk.

  • In June, Alma Pak International voluntarily recalled the products after tests confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in two batches.

  • The range of health effects from listeria can vary from minor to critical, making immediate medical attention essential if contamination is suspected.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued its most severe warning regarding a recall of several hundred packages of organic blueberries because of potential contamination with listeria.

Alma Pak International LLC, based in Georgia, initiated a voluntary recall of 400 boxes, each weighing 30 pounds, of organic blueberries. These were mainly distributed to a single customer in North Carolina.

The recall, started on June 9, came after routine testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products, specifically affecting lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096.

On July 1, the FDA classified the recall as Class 1, a designation used for cases where there’s a reasonable probability that using or being exposed to the violative product will cause serious health issues or death.

Alma Pak did not respond immediately for comments to Healthline, but they informed Newsweek that “the affected product was successfully retrieved before it could be sold to consumers, ensuring no public health risk.”

“Following the incident, Alma Pak International took further corrective steps and enhanced preventive measures to improve its stringent food safety protocols. The company conducts extensive testing on all products and has a robust environmental monitoring program. Enhanced vector sampling was also performed as part of their proactive ‘seek and destroy’ strategy, confirming the efficacy of their safety measures as all additional samples tested negative for Listeria monocytogenes,” the company added in their statement.

Understanding Listeria Risks

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can lead to a foodborne disease that varies in severity.

Milder forms of listeria infection, or listeriosis, typically resolve within 1–3 days and may cause:

  • fever

  • nausea and vomiting

  • diarrhea

  • muscle ache

However, severe cases of listeriosis can be life-threatening and include symptoms such as:

  • headaches, neck stiffness

  • confusion, loss of balance

  • convulsions

Such severe infections pose the highest risk to newborns, elderly individuals over 65, and those with compromised immune systems.

People who are young, elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised should be particularly cautious. If flu-like symptoms or any severe symptoms develop after consumption, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider promptly to prevent serious health outcomes.

How Listeria Contamination Occurs

Despite the serious FDA warning for the blueberries, the general public should remain calm.

“Blueberries are typically safe to eat. While contamination is possible, it is uncommon and generally prevented through proper food handling,” explained Michelle Routhenstein, MS, a registered dietitian specializing in cardiovascular health at Entirely Nourished.

Listeria monocytogenes can develop during the production process if berries come into contact with contaminated water, unclean equipment, or dirty surfaces during the harvesting or packaging stages. It can also proliferate if temperatures are not adequately controlled or if hygiene practices are not adequately followed, according to Routhenstein.

“Cross-contamination is another way listeria can spread. This can happen when ready-to-eat foods touch surfaces or equipment contaminated with the bacteria. For example, using the same cutting board for raw meat and then for fruits or vegetables without proper cleaning could lead to contamination and illness,” she noted.

Preventing Listeria Infection

Reducing the risk of listeria infection in blueberries and other fresh produce can be achieved by thoroughly washing them under running water before consumption.

Routhenstein recommends using a brush to scrub fruits with hard skins. She also emphasized the importance of proper storage, such as keeping fruits refrigerated and away from raw meats and potential contaminants.

“It’s vital to consume them within a few days and to clean your hands, kitchen surfaces, and containers before and after handling fresh produce,” she advised.