Karmactive Staff
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised the risk level of a recent blueberry recall to its most severe classification. On July 1, 2025, the FDA upgraded Alma Pak International’s voluntary recall to Class I status, indicating these products could cause “serious health consequences or death.”
The Georgia-based company initially recalled 400 boxes of organic blueberries on June 9 after routine testing detected Listeria bacteria. Each box weighs 30 pounds, bringing the total recall to 12,000 pounds of blueberries.
The recalled products were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina and can be identified by lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096.
Listeria is particularly dangerous because it can survive and grow even in refrigerated foods. While healthy people may experience short-term symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea, the infection poses serious risks to vulnerable groups.
“Listeria monocytogenes is a common microorganism that can be found in the natural environment, for example in soil,” explains Haley F. Oliver, a professor of food science at Purdue University. “In most instances, an immunocompromised person, so young, old, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised, must eat contaminated food.”
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The bacteria can cause life-threatening infections in young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems. For pregnant women, Listeria infection can lead to miscarriages and stillbirths.
Professor Mary O’Riordan from the University of Michigan Medical School points out what makes Listeria especially concerning: “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.”
According to FDA data, listeriosis is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., responsible for approximately 260 deaths annually.
Consumers who have purchased these blueberries should check the lot numbers and dispose of the product immediately. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, or balance problems after consuming blueberries should contact their healthcare provider right away.
The FDA continues to monitor this ongoing recall situation.
