A young Asian woman holds a box of blueberries in her hand to check if it is fresh. Credit :

Getty

• Organic blueberries have been recalled nationwide after the FDA confirmed a listeria contamination risk
• The FDA escalated the recall to Class I, the most serious level for potential health threats
• Contaminated blueberries were shipped to North Carolina with lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096

A nationwide recall of organic blueberries has just been escalated, so fruit salad makers ahead of the holiday weekend may need to double-check their labels. 

On Monday, June 9, Alma Pak International LLC announced a voluntary recall of 400 boxes (each weighing 30 pounds) of its organic blueberries due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacterium, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA elevated the recall on Tuesday, July 1, to a Class I recall — the highest, most serious recall classification. This classification is defined as a situation where there’s a “reasonable probability” that consuming the contaminated product could lead to serious health issues, including death.

Fresh organic blueberries on bowl. Getty

The recalled blueberries were shipped to one customer in North Carolina; however, officials urge those who may come into contact with the affected batch — marked with Lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096 — to avoid consuming them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria is a bacterium that can contaminate a variety of foods and can cause infection through consumption. Symptoms of the infection may vary, but in severe cases, it can lead to serious invasive illness and intestinal illness, and could even be fatal. 

In fact, the CDC lists Listeria as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., with 1,600 people infected and about 260 deaths each year. Consumers are encouraged to stay alert, check products carefully before eating, and toss potentially contaminated products if uncertain.

This latest blueberry recall comes amid a string of recent food recalls across the country tied to listeria risks. 

Back in May, pre-packaged pasta meals that are sold in Walmart and Kroger were recalled after the products were linked to three deaths, one fetal loss and 17 instances of illnesses, across 13 states, from August 2024 to May 2025.