Federal Food Administration Initiates Product Withdrawal for Blueberries and Associated Items
In a series of food recalls, several products have been withdrawn from the market due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination concerns. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a Class I recall for organic blueberries, while the US Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced at least 10 recalls during the same period.
Specifically, organic blueberries from Alma Pak International LLC, produced in Georgia and shipped to North Carolina, were voluntarily recalled in June 2025. About 400 boxes were involved, and the recall was elevated to the highest Class I level by the FDA after testing confirmed Listeria presence. No blueberries from the recalled batch have yet reached product shelves.
In addition, Member’s Mark Freeze-Dried Fruit Variety Packs sold at Sam’s Club were recalled nationwide across 42 states after internal testing revealed Listeria contamination. The recall was announced on July 31, 2025, and includes products distributed between July 1 and July 25, 2025.
Recent Listeria-related recalls and outbreaks have also affected deli meats, prepared pasta meals, and Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds from Face Rock Creamery with lot code "Use by 082925". The recall for 12-oz. vacuum packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original is also due to potential Listeria monocytogenes.
Consumers are advised to check product labels closely for affected lot numbers and discard suspicious products to avoid serious health risks associated with Listeria, which can cause severe illness especially in vulnerable groups.
In other news, Amazon is offering free fulfillment tours to the public, providing a behind-the-scenes look at its technology, people, and processes. Tops Markets has deployed Automatic Leak Detection Tech at 14 New York stores to comply with updated refrigerant regulations.
The Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC is featuring global flavors, health and wellness, clean ingredients, functionality, and more. Rachel Anderson has been named VP of Business Development at SQFI.
Sources:
[1] FDA Recall: Organic Blueberries from Alma Pak International LLC (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fda-recall-organic-blueberries-alma-pak-international-llc)
[2] FDA Class I Recall: Member’s Mark Freeze-Dried Fruit Variety Packs (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fda-class-i-recall-members-mark-freeze-dried-fruit-variety-packs)
[3] FDA Recall: Vampire Slayer Cheese Curds from Face Rock Creamery (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fda-recall-vampire-slayer-cheese-curds-face-rock-creamery)
[4] FSIS Recall: Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original (https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls/oscar-mayer-turkey-bacon-original-recall-078-2025-r-003-f)
[5] FDA Recall: More than 12,000 pounds of organic blueberries are subject to the FDA notice (https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/listeria-monocytogenes-outbreak-associated-organic-blueberries-alma-pak-international-llc)
In response to the series of food recalls, the importance of food safety, particularly in regards to the detection of Listeria monocytogenes, has come under renewed scrutiny. As science advances, research into better food safety measures, health-and-wellness practices, and mental-health therapies and treatments becomes increasingly intertwined to ensure the overall well-being of consumers.
