FDA Expands Recall of Alma Pak Blueberries

The FDA has issued a Class I recall for 400 boxes (12,000 pounds) of organic blueberries from Alma Pak International LLC after routine testing detected potentially deadly Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled berries, with lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096, were shipped to a single North Carolina customer, though it remains unclear if further distribution occurred. Listeriosis poses serious risks, especially to pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals, with symptoms ranging from mild distress to miscarriage, stillbirth, meningitis, or sepsis. Most severe cases require hospitalization. The recall reflects a broader U.S. trend in 2024 of increased foodborne illnesses and deaths linked to contamination. Consumers should check their freezers for the affected lots and seek immediate medical care if symptoms appear.