Topline
More than 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries distributed in a handful of states have been recalled due to a potential listeria contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Frozen blueberries.
Getty Images
Key Facts
The FDA this week upgraded a recall from the Oregon Potato Company on frozen blueberries sold in 30-pound cases and 1,400-pound totes.
The potentially contaminated blueberries were not sold directly to customers, but were distributed for use in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and in Canada.
For more information, including affected lot codes, visit the FDA’s website.
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here: joinsubtext.com/forbes.
What Is Listeria?
Listeria is a foodborne illness contracted from consuming the bacteria listeria monocytogenes, which is found in soil, water, and animal products. The illness is most often contracted by eating unpasteurized milk products and improperly processed deli meats, because it spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands and food, the CDC says. The bacteria can survive refrigeration and even freezing.
Who Is At Risk From A Listeria Infection?
Most healthy people don’t get sick from contracting listeria, but it does disproportionately impact people older than 65, newborns and pregnant women. Babies in utero can die from listeria. The CDC estimates that about 1,250 people are infected with listeria each year, and 172 die from the infection.
Have There Been A Lot Of Listeria Recalls Recently?
Yes and no. The total number of listeria recalls hasn’t surged, but the size, impact and frequency of high-profile recalls surged in 2024 and 2025. The summer of 2024 brought a massive listeria outbreak that originated at a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia. Millions of pounds of deli meat were recalled, 10 people died and dozens more were made sick by the outbreak. The same year, a massive recall of dairy products was implemented by Rizo-Lopez Foods and a large-scale recall from TreeHouse foods impacted frozen waffle and pancake products. Last year, six people died in a multistate listeria outbreak linked to recalled pasta meals.
Further Reading
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/02/26/55000-pounds-of-frozen-blueberries-recalled-for-listeria/
