The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a recall of the highest level on 400 boxes of organic blueberries sold North Carolina — but consumers may not be in danger.
Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning contracted from the listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Though symptoms of infection can be mild, those with weakened immune systems and people over 65 years old can be at much more serious risk.
The FDA first issued the recall on blueberries on June 9. On July 1, the recall was updated to Class 1, defined by the agency as “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 the blueberries were sold exclusively in N.C., residents might not need to worry due to the nature of the original sale. Here’s what we know.
What brand of blueberries were recalled?
The contaminated blueberries were sold by Georgia-based company Alma Pak International. The company is no stranger to recalls, with a recall for frozen berries potentially contaminated with norovirus in 2019.
Where were the contaminated blueberries sold?
It is not entirely clear whether the blueberries were distributed after the original sale, as the FDA recall only stated that the contaminated blueberries were “shipped to one customer in NC,” along with the lot numbers, 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096.
What foods can carry Listeria?
Foods that are most likely to be contaminated with Listeria according to the Cleveland Clinic:
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Deli meats, cold cuts and hot dogs
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Pâté (pureed meat) and meat spreads
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Cold-smoked fish, like lox
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Soft cheese, like brie, camembert and queso fresco
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Unpasteurized dairy products, like milk, cheese and ice cream (pasteurization kills germs)
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Unpasteurized fruit juices like apple cider
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Raw, unwashed fruits and vegetables (especially melon)
What if I ate something that was recalled for Listeria?
Call your health care provider if you believe you consumed something contaminated with Listeria, including any product recalled for possible contamination. Health care professionals can monitor symptoms, and can confirm a diagnosis by testing blood and other bodily fluids for signs of the bacteria.
Listeria symptoms
Listeria symptoms tend to start within two weeks of eating contaminated food, but can show up as late as up to 10 weeks later. Symptoms may include fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or seizures.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Blueberry recall: NC blueberries labeled with highest-level FDA recall
