Latest news with #AlmaPakInternationalLLC
Metro
a day ago
- Health
- Metro
Hundreds of blueberry boxes recalled over 'severe' listeria warning in the US
Hundreds of boxes of blueberries in the US have been recalled over fears they're contaminated with listeria. Alma Pak International LLC voluntarily recalled 400 boxes, weighing 300 pounds each, of its organic blueberries on June 19 Food safety officials say the bacteria were discovered during 'routine testing' of the finished product. The recall is Class 1, the most serious category, indicating that exposure to the product will likely cause health consequences or even death. Of the contaminated boxes, just a single box was shipped to a customer in North Carolina, according to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). The affected product can be identified by the Lot numbers: 13325 G1060 / 13325 G 1096. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can be deadly, often found lurking inside deli meat, fish, unpasteurised milk and pre-cut fruit. In mild cases, listeria may cause diarrhoea and vomiting that clears up within three days. After coming into contact with listeria, symptoms typically develop within 10 weeks. But if the bacteria spreads beyond the intestines, it can cause more severe, flu-like symptoms like muscle aches, fever and seizures. Listeria infection kills roughly 260 people a year, making it the third leading cause of death from food-borne illness in the US. If you suspect food is contaminated with listeria, any surfaces or items that touched it should be cleaned with hot, soapy water. Many products have been recalled in the US in recent weeks, with shoppers urged to return the item for a refund or wrap it up and put it in the bin. FDA officials recalled a popular children's cough syrup last month because a batch was found to contain Bacillus cereus, which can lead to two types food-borne illnesses. While more than 15,000 pounds of beef and meat jerky were taken off supermarket shelves because of an undeclared allergen and misbranding. A pre-made salad from Isabelle's Kitchen was also recalled after testing found it contained cucumbers infested with salmonella. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Truth about dad who jumped off Disney cruise to save daughter after police shut down rumour MORE: Rapper's 'heart hurts' after four people including her boyfriend shot dead at album launch party MORE: Girl, 9, dies after mum left her in hot car while she went to work in Texas
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Listeria risk outbreak: FDA elevates recall of 400 boxes of organic blueberries
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has escalated the recent recall of organic blueberries to the most severe classification – Class I. Originating from Alma Pak International LLC, based in Georgia, the voluntary recall on June 9 involved 400 boxes (each weighing 30 pounds) of organic blueberries after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes. These contaminated boxes, bearing lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096, were distributed to a single customer in North Carolina. The recall in detail: What you need to know On June 9, 2025, Alma Pak International LLC initiated a voluntary recall involving 400 boxes (30 lbs each) of their organic blueberries after routine testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Although shipments were sent to just one North Carolina customer, the FDA's recent classification upgrade on July 1, 2025, to a Class I recall reflects the seriousness of the contamination, a category reserved for food products that could result in death or serious illness Identifying the affected product Company: Alma Pak International LLC (Georgia) Recall Date: June 9, 2025 Boxes Recalled: 400 Weight per Box: 30 lbs Lot Numbers: 13325 G1060, 13325 G1096 Distribution: One customer in North Carolina Consumers and vendors are urged to inspect their inventories and immediately dispose of any blueberries matching these details. What is a Listeria outbreak ? A listeria outbreak is a situation where two or more people get sick from eating food contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. This can happen when food is processed, prepared, or stored in unsanitary conditions. Listeria outbreaks are typically identified when multiple individuals experience similar illnesses after consuming the same potentially contaminated food. Why is Listeria such a concern? Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that thrives in refrigerated environments, unlike many other foodborne pathogens. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo While healthy individuals might experience mild symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea, the infection can escalate to more severe conditions, such as meningitis, particularly in those over 65, pregnant individuals, newborns, or the immunocompromised. According to FDA data, listeriosis is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the US, responsible for approximately 260 deaths annually. Listeriosis: Symptoms and prevention Listeria can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis symptoms can range from mild, like fever and diarrhea, to severe, including meningitis or sepsis, especially in vulnerable populations. Listeria can be transmitted through contaminated food, and outbreaks are often linked to ready-to-eat foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and smoked seafood. Proper food handling, including cooking to safe temperatures and avoiding high-risk foods, is crucial to prevent listeriosis.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
FDA issues highest-level recall for Alma Pak organic blueberries over Listeria contamination
The FDA has issued a Class I recall for Alma Pak International LLC's organic blueberries after Listeria monocytogenes was detected. This recall affects 400 boxes distributed to North Carolina. Listeria infection poses a severe risk, especially to vulnerable populations, potentially leading to serious illness or death. Consumers are urged to check lot numbers and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What's affected? Product: Organic blueberries from Alma Pak International LLC (Georgia-based) Quantity: 400 boxes, each weighing 30 pounds (totaling 12,000 pounds) Lot Numbers: 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096 Distribution: Shipped to a single customer in North Carolina Why the urgency? Check their blueberries for the affected lot numbers Avoid consuming any recalled product Contact the retailer for a refund Seek medical attention if symptoms of listeriosis develop after consumption Company response and background Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall—the highest possible risk level—for 400 boxes of organic blueberries distributed by Alma Pak International LLC, following the detection of Listeria monocytogenes during routine testing. The recall, first initiated on June 9, 2025, was elevated to Class I status on July 1, signaling a 'reasonable probability' that consuming the affected product could lead to serious health consequences or even death, according to the FDA's official monocytogenes is a dangerous bacteria that can contaminate various foods. Infection, known as listeriosis, is particularly hazardous for newborns, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms range from fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in milder cases, to severe complications such as headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, loss of coordination, and seizures in more vulnerable individuals. Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., causing around 260 deaths are urged to:The FDA's Class I recall status underscores the seriousness of this contamination, as the agency warns that exposure to the tainted blueberries could result in life-threatening Pak International LLC has voluntarily recalled the product and is cooperating with authorities. Notably, this is not the company's first recall—previous incidents have included recalls for other frozen berry products due to contamination recall comes amid a broader trend of increased food recalls in 2024 and 2025, with a notable rise in hospitalizations and deaths linked to foodborne you have purchased Alma Pak organic blueberries, check your packaging immediately and follow FDA guidance to ensure your safety.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Blueberry Recall Update as FDA Issues Most Severe Risk Level
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A recall of hundreds of boxes of blueberries due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes has now been issued the highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Alma Pak International LLC, based in Georgia, issued a voluntary recall for 400 boxes of its organic blueberries on June 9. The FDA subsequently issued its Class 1 risk classification on July 1. Newsweek contacted Alma Pak International LLC for comment by email outside of regular working hours. Stock image. Alma Pak International LLC issued a voluntary recall for 400 boxes of its organic blueberries on June 9. Stock image. Alma Pak International LLC issued a voluntary recall for 400 boxes of its organic blueberries on June 9. Sina Schuldt/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images Why It Matters A Class I risk classification represents "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," according to the FDA. Listeria infection, or listeriosis, may lead to a range of symptoms in infected individuals. For those experiencing less severe infections, symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which often last between one and three days, the FDA said. For more severe and potentially life-threatening infections, symptoms may include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Severe infections are particularly dangerous for newborns, adults over age 65 and those with weakened immune systems. What To Know A total of 400 boxes of the firm's organic blueberries are impacted by the recall. Each box weighs 30 lbs. The blueberries were shipped to one customer in North Carolina, and can be identified by the Lot numbers: 13325 G1060 / 13325 G 1096. The recall was initiated after the firm obtained positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes during routine testing of the product. What People Are Saying Haley F. Oliver, a professor of food science at Purdue University, told Newsweek previously: "Listeria monocytogenes is a common microorganism that can be found in the natural environment, for example in soil. There are many factors that determine if someone gets listeriosis — a listeria infection. In most instances, an immunocompromised person, so young, old, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised, must eat contaminated food. The number of bacteria resulting in infection and the amount of time before illness varies considerably. Symptoms vary among people but can include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance." Mary O'Riordan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, told Newsweek previously: "Listeria has an unusual capacity to grow at refrigerated temperatures. Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home, are a place where listeria can keep growing. "Early symptoms of listeria infection look similar to other common foodborne infections, including fever, diarrhea and vomiting, so it's often not diagnosed right away. Unfortunately, sometimes listeria can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis. In those cases, if people experience headache, stiff neck or confusion, they should seek urgent medical attention." The FDA said on its website: "Pregnant women and their unborn or newborn baby, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems, are all considered to be high-risk groups that are susceptible to the serious and adverse effects of listeriosis." What Happens Next The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA. The agency advises anyone who suspects that they have developed symptoms resembling a listeriosis infection to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
