Peanut butter recall extends to 40 states
More than 20,000 Ventura-brand peanut butter products have been recalled in 40 states due to the risk of plastic contamination.
More than 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries sold in four states are being recalled due to possible listeria contamination.
Salem-based Oregon Potato Company (OPC) has recalled approximately 55,689 pounds of individually flash-frozen blueberries due to the risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to a mandatory recall notice posted on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website. The recall was initiated on February 12th, but was classified as a Class I recall on February 24th, indicating a reasonable probability of causing serious illness or death.
No news release regarding the recall was issued. OPC did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on the recall.
Here’s what you need to know about the frozen blueberry recall.
What frozen blueberries are recalled?
The recovered frozen blueberries were packaged in 30-pound cardboard cases with polyethylene liners and 1,400-pound tote bags.
The lot codes for the 1,400-pound tote are 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, both with an expiration date of November 25, 2027.
Lot codes for the 30-pound cases are 2055 B2, 2065 B1, and 2065 B3. The expiration date for the former is July 24, 2027, while the expiration date for the latter is July 23, 2027.
In what states were the recalled frozen blueberries sold?
The recalled products were sold by OPC, operating as Willamette Valley Fruit Company in Salem, Oregon. According to the report, the products were sold not only in Canada but also in the following states:
- Michigan
- Oregon
- washington
- wisconsin
However, it was never sold directly to consumers in retail stores. The report does not say exactly where the products were sold.
What should customers do?
The FDA did not specify in its report what customers should do after purchasing the product.
Meanwhile, the recall status is listed as ongoing, and the FDA noted that no press release had been issued by the company at the time of posting.
What is Listeria monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes, commonly known as Listeria, is a disease-causing bacterium found in soil, water, sewage, rotting plant matter, and animals, according to the USDA. They can survive and multiply in refrigeration and can thrive in unsanitary food production conditions.
What are the symptoms of Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes infects about 1,600 people each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of listeriosis vary from person to person, but there are two forms of the disease.
- Less severe, non-invasive gastrointestinal listeriosis may manifest as mild symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. According to the USDA, these symptoms can last one to three days.
- The more severe, life-threatening, invasive disease can manifest as headaches, stiff shoulders, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, the USDA reports. This more aggressive form of the disease can be life-threatening to newborns, pregnant people, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems.
Contributor: Greta Cross, USA TODAY.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Have a story idea? Contact her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com or follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
