Blueberries posing potentially deadly health risks have been urgently recalled.

The recall, which has now been escalated to the highest level of concern, highlights the severe risks associated with consuming contaminated blueberries, including illness and even death.

As reported by The Independent, Alma Pak International LLC initiated a recall of 400 boxes of blueberries, each weighing 30 pounds, which were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina. The identity of the customer—whether a store, restaurant, or other facility—has not been disclosed.

The recall was prompted on June 9 after the organic blueberries tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

Commonly known as listeria, the bacteria can cause serious illness if ingested.

According to the FDA, the bacteria was discovered during routine testing, leading to an upgrade of the recall to a Class I, the highest level of risk. A Class I recall is defined by the FDA as a situation where there is a reasonable probability that exposure to or consumption of a violative product could result in serious health consequences or even death.

The affected product can be identified by the following lot numbers: 13325 G1060 / 13325 G 1096.

The CDC explains that Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria capable of contaminating various foods, potentially causing both invasive and intestinal illnesses.

What foods can cause listeriosis?

The NHS in the UK lists several high-risk foods for listeriosis caused by listeria bacteria. These include:

• Cold, cooked sliced meats and cured meats

• Smoked and cured fish, including sushi

• Cooked shellfish

• Soft, mold-ripened cheeses (such as camembert and brie) and blue-veined cheeses

• Pâté

• Pre-prepared sandwiches and salads

• Pre-cut fruit (such as pre-packed melon slices)

• Unpasteurized milk

• Dairy products made from unpasteurized milk

According to the CDC, listeria infections are the third leading cause of foodborne deaths in the United States, responsible for around 260 fatalities annually.

What are the symptoms of listeriosis?

For most people, listeriosis presents no symptoms or only mild ones for a few days, including:

• High temperature

• Aches and pains

• Chills

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

Most individuals recover quickly without serious effects, but pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms.

How common are illnesses or deaths from foodborne bacteria?

In 2022, nearly 300 food recalls were issued, which led to nearly 1,400 illnesses, according to the Public Interest Research Group. Among these, 487 people were hospitalized, and tragically, 19 died.

The number of hospitalizations and deaths from foodborne illnesses has doubled since 2023.

Just last month, FreshRealm's chicken fettuccine alfredo products were recalled after a listeria outbreak led to three deaths, one fetal loss, and 17 illnesses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service indicated that these products might have been contaminated with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes.

In 2022, a listeria outbreak linked to deli meats and cheeses affected 16 people across six states.