FDA warns of deadly listeria in over 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries, escalating to the highest risk Class I recall amid ongoing food safety failures under past oversight.
Story Snapshot
- Oregon Potato Company recalls 55,689 pounds of frozen blueberries due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
- FDA upgrades recall to Class I on February 24, 2026, signaling a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death.
- Bulk products distributed to foodservice in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Canada—no retail consumer sales.
- No illnesses reported yet, but Listeria poses severe risks to pregnant women, the elderly, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.
Recall Details and Timeline
Oregon Potato Company LLC, doing business as Willamette Valley Fruit Company in Salem, Oregon, initiated a voluntary recall on February 12, 2026. The company targeted 55,689 pounds of individually quick-frozen blueberries packed in 30-pound cases and 1,400-pound totes.
Affected lot codes include 2055 B2, 2065 B1, 2065 B3 with expiration dates July 23-24, 2027, and 3305 A1, 3305 B1 expiring November 25, 2027. Products went to foodservice operators and manufacturers only.
Life-threatening Listeria risk prompts massive frozen blueberry recall across multiple states https://t.co/viy7WAjtLx
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) February 26, 2026
FDA Escalation to Class I Status
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified the recall as Class I (report H-0522-2026) on February 24, 2026. This highest risk level indicates a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death from listeriosis. The FDA enforcement report published February 26 details the upgrade. Foodservice operators must discard products and sanitize equipment, as Listeria persists in cold environments like freezers and chillers.
Listeria Dangers and Vulnerable Populations
Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, thriving in refrigerated conditions common to frozen fruits. Symptoms include fever, headache, and nausea, but severe cases lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights risks to pregnant individuals, newborns, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Frozen blueberries prove vulnerable during processing and storage, amplifying supply chain threats.
No illnesses linked to this recall yet, but the Class I designation underscores the urgency of prevention. Operators face immediate disposal mandates to protect end users in schools, hospitals, and restaurants.
Life-threatening Listeria risk prompts massive frozen blueberry recall across multiple states
Oregon Potato Company's 55,689 pounds of frozen blueberries upgraded to Class 1 recall Tuesdayhttps://t.co/XJM9GchEXb
— The Big Bad Conservative Wolf (@RightWingNest) February 26, 2026
Impacts on Foodservice and Industry Trends
Distribution reached Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Canada, hitting bulk buyers hardest. Short-term effects include inventory destruction valued at significant losses and supply chain sanitation halts.
Long-term, expect stricter listeria testing in frozen fruit processing. Recent precedents include a July 2025 Class I recall of organic blueberries by Alma Pak International LLC and a January 2026 chicken recall over 13,000 pounds. These signal rising scrutiny on ready-to-eat and frozen foods.
Under President Trump’s administration, renewed focus on efficient federal oversight could streamline FDA responses, cutting bureaucratic delays that frustrated families under prior mismanagement. Food safety protects American workers and consumers without overreach, aligning with demands for accountable government.
Sources:
FDA upgrades frozen blueberries recall to Class I over listeria concern
Frozen Blueberries Recalled Across 4 States
Frozen blueberry recall: FDA issues Class I alert over possible listeria contamination
