Listeria Risk in Organic Blueberries

Listeria Risk in Organic Blueberries

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its most severe recall warning over the potential contamination of hundreds of boxes of organic blueberries with Listeria monocytogenes. This alarming development highlights the importance of maintaining vigilant food safety practices and promoting public awareness about foodborne illnesses.

What Happened?

On June 9, 2025, Alma Pak International LLC, a Georgia-based fruit manufacturer, voluntarily recalled 400 boxes of organic blueberries after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes in two specific lots. Each box weighed 30 pounds and was primarily shipped to a single customer in North Carolina. The affected lot numbers are 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096.

On July 1, 2025, the FDA classified the recall as a Class I risk — the highest level of concern. This classification indicates there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the contaminated product could lead to serious health consequences or even death.

Although the company claims all contaminated products were recovered before they reached retail shelves, the incident highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities in the food supply chain.

Alma Pak’s Response

Following the positive test results, Alma Pak International took swift action to contain the contamination and mitigate public health risk. In a statement to Newsweek, the company confirmed that no contaminated blueberries were sold to consumers.

To reinforce food safety standards, Alma Pak implemented several corrective measures. These include enhanced environmental monitoring and intensified vector sampling — a method that targets likely sources of contamination in the production environment. All subsequent testing of the facility and remaining product inventory yielded negative results for Listeria, further affirming the effectiveness of the company's revised safety protocols.

Understanding Listeria Monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a potentially life-threatening foodborne illness. Unlike many other pathogens, Listeria can grow even in cold temperatures, such as inside refrigerators, which makes it particularly dangerous in ready-to-eat and fresh produce items.

Mild Symptoms of Listeria Infection

Fever

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Muscle aches

These symptoms often appear within a few hours to two days after consuming contaminated food and usually resolve within 1–3 days in healthy individuals.

Severe Symptoms of Listeria Infection

Headaches and a stiff neck

Confusion or disorientation

Loss of balance

Convulsions

Severe cases can lead to meningitis or septicemia and are especially dangerous for

Newborns

Pregnant individuals

Adults over the age of 65

Immunocompromised persons

Why Listeria Is a Unique Threat

What makes Listeria especially concerning is its ability to thrive in conditions that typically slow or kill other bacteria. It can survive refrigeration and even freezing. Additionally, it can spread through cross-contamination during food preparation. For example, when cutting boards or knives used for raw meats are not properly sanitised before coming into contact with fruits or vegetables.

The FDA and CDC often warn that fresh produce, including organic options like blueberries, can become contaminated at various points from farm to table: during harvesting, washing, packaging, or storage.

How Does Contamination Occur?

According to Michelle Routhenstein, MS, a registered dietitian specialising in heart health, contamination with Listeria in blueberries and similar fruits can occur through multiple avenues:

Contact with Contaminated Water: During irrigation or washing, if the water source is contaminated, bacteria can adhere to the fruit surface.

Unclean Equipment and Surfaces: Dirty harvesting tools, processing belts, or containers can introduce Listeria into the fruit supply.

Improper Refrigeration: If the cold chain is broken, meaning blueberries aren’t kept at the correct temperature throughout transportation and storage, the risk of bacterial growth increases.

Human Error: Poor hygiene among workers, such as failing to wash hands or sanitise surfaces, can facilitate bacterial transfer.

Reducing Your Risk: How to Stay Safe

While this recall may seem alarming, experts emphasise that blueberries and other fresh fruits are generally safe to eat when handled properly. Consumers can take several steps to protect themselves and reduce the risk of Listeria contamination.

 

Wash Thoroughly

Rinse blueberries and other fruits under running water before eating or cooking. For fruits with tougher skins (like apples or cucumbers), use a produce brush.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and fresh produce. Always sanitise utensils and surfaces between uses.

Refrigerate Promptly

Keep berries and other perishables refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C). Do not leave fresh produce out at room temperature for extended periods.

Consume Quickly

Eat fresh berries within a few days of purchase. The longer they sit, the higher the chance of bacterial growth.

Practice Good Hygiene

Wash your hands before and after handling produce. Clean containers and storage bins regularly.

What This Recall Teaches Us

Though Alma Pak’s statement claims no contaminated products made it into consumer hands, the FDA’s Class I designation reflects how serious such a threat can be. The recall serves as a reminder that even foods considered healthy and organic are not immune to contamination.

The incident also demonstrates the importance of routine testing and quick action in preventing a foodborne illness outbreak. Alma Pak’s ability to recall and contain the product before it hit retail shelves is commendable, but it also raises questions about what safeguards should be universally applied across the food industry.

Final Thoughts

Food recalls can be unsettling, but they also showcase the safeguards in place to protect public health. The blueberry recall by Alma Pak International and the FDA’s swift classification of the threat highlight the diligence of our food safety system.

For consumers, the takeaway is not to panic but to stay informed and proactive. Proper food handling, cleanliness, and storage go a long way in preventing foodborne illnesses like listeriosis.

By remaining vigilant and educated, we can continue to enjoy the benefits of fresh produce while minimising the risks.