The Blueberry Recall Just Got More Serious—Here's What To Know

Yahoo

5 hours ago

When the Fourth of July rolls around, there's nothing we love more than concocting the perfect, summery sweet treat. However, before you turn to the fruit aisle to grab fresh, seasonal strawberries and blueberries to bring to life that festive American flag cake that's every Pinterest lover's dream or that refreshing fruit salad, think twice. The FDA has issued a recall of hundreds of boxes of blueberries. Here, everything we know and what you ought to know ahead of the holiday weekend.
Back in early June, a recall was issued by Georgia-based company Alma Pak International LLC for hundreds of boxes of organic blueberries. As stated by the initial report, the recall came to be when, during routine testing, the product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. In total, 400 30-pound boxes were part of this recall, identifiable by Lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096. The voluntary recall stated that these products were shipped to one customer in North Carolina.
Though it was on June 9 that this recall was first issued, on July 1, the FDA elevated this situation to a Class I threat. As stated by their website, a Class I recall is '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.' While there have yet to be any reports of people falling ill after consuming this particular recalled product, vigilance is key when it comes to food safety.
Over the last year, listeria is the word that's been circulating when it comes to recalls, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. According to the FDA's website, the less severe version of the illness is non-invasive and usually will result in side effects like nausea, vomiting, fever, aches and diarrhea. On the contrary, the invasive version can be fatal. 'Symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions,' says the FDA website. 'Invasive listeriosis is a potentially life-threatening event, especially for newborns, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems.'
If you think you might have consumed contaminated food, it's best to see your healthcare provider and monitor symptoms. If you start to feel any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical guidance.
In a statement to Newsweek, the company revealed that the recall was issued before blueberries even hit shelves, meaning no customers consumed these contaminated products, and therefore, no one was at risk. They continued, 'The company worked in close coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and an independent food safety consultant to conduct a thorough investigation. Alma Pak International has implemented additional corrective actions and preventive controls to further strengthen its already rigorous food safety systems.'
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