A recall of hundreds of boxes of blueberries due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes has now been issued the highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Alma Pak International LLC, based in Georgia, issued a voluntary recall for 400 boxes of its organic blueberries on June 9. The FDA subsequently issued its Class 1 risk classification on July 1.
Stock image. Alma Pak International LLC issued a voluntary recall for 400 boxes of its organic blueberries on June 9. Stock image. Alma Pak International LLC issued a voluntary recall for 400 boxes of its organic blueberries on June 9. Sina Schuldt/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
Why It Matters
A Class I risk classification represents “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,” according to the FDA.
Listeria infection, or listeriosis, may lead to a range of symptoms in infected individuals. For those experiencing less severe infections, symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which often last between one and three days, the FDA said.
For more severe and potentially life-threatening infections, symptoms may include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Severe infections are particularly dangerous for newborns, adults over age 65 and those with weakened immune systems.
What To Know
A total of 400 boxes of the firm’s organic blueberries are impacted by the recall. Each box weighs 30 lbs. The boxes can be identified by the Lot numbers: 13325 G1060 / 13325 G 1096.
The recall was initiated after the firm obtained positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes during routine testing of the product.
Alma Pak International told Newsweek in a statement: “The affected product was fully recovered prior to reaching the retail market. As a result, no product was sold to consumers, and there was no risk to public health.
“The company worked in close coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and an independent food safety consultant to conduct a thorough investigation. Alma Pak International has implemented additional corrective actions and preventive controls to further strengthen its already rigorous food safety systems.
“All products at Alma Pak undergo comprehensive testing, in addition to a strong environmental monitoring program. In response to the incident, intensified vector sampling was conducted to support the company’s proactive ‘seek and destroy’ commitment. All subsequent samples collected during this enhanced monitoring process tested negative for Listeria monocytogenes, further confirming the effectiveness of the food safety program.”
What People Are Saying
Alma Pak International said in a statement to Newsweek: “Alma Pak International remains deeply committed to the highest standards of food safety, transparency, and continuous improvement, and to maintaining the trust of our customers and partners.”
Haley F. Oliver, a professor of food science at Purdue University, told Newsweek previously: “Listeria monocytogenes is a common microorganism that can be found in the natural environment, for example in soil. There are many factors that determine if someone gets listeriosis — a listeria infection. In most instances, an immunocompromised person, so young, old, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised, must eat contaminated food. The number of bacteria resulting in infection and the amount of time before illness varies considerably. Symptoms vary among people but can include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance.”
Mary O’Riordan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, told Newsweek previously: “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.
“Early symptoms of listeria infection look similar to other common foodborne infections, including fever, diarrhea and vomiting, so it’s often not diagnosed right away. Unfortunately, sometimes listeria can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis. In those cases, if people experience headache, stiff neck or confusion, they should seek urgent medical attention.”
The FDA said on its website: “Pregnant women and their unborn or newborn baby, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems, are all considered to be high-risk groups that are susceptible to the serious and adverse effects of listeriosis.”
What Happens Next
The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA.
The agency advises anyone who suspects that they have developed symptoms resembling a listeriosis infection to contact their healthcare provider immediately.
