Listeria risk outbreak: FDA elevates recall of 400 boxes of organic blueberries
Originating from Alma Pak International LLC, based in Georgia, the voluntary recall on June 9 involved 400 boxes (each weighing 30 pounds) of organic blueberries after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes.
These contaminated boxes, bearing lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096, were distributed to a single customer in North Carolina.
The recall in detail: What you need to know
On June 9, 2025, Alma Pak International LLC initiated a voluntary recall involving 400 boxes (30 lbs each) of their organic blueberries after routine testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Although shipments were sent to just one North Carolina customer, the FDA's recent classification upgrade on July 1, 2025, to a Class I recall reflects the seriousness of the contamination, a category reserved for food products that could result in death or serious illness
Identifying the affected product
Company:
Alma Pak International LLC (Georgia)
Recall Date:
June 9, 2025
Boxes Recalled:
400
Weight per Box:
30 lbs
Lot Numbers:
13325 G1060, 13325 G1096
Distribution:
One customer in North Carolina
Consumers and vendors are urged to inspect their inventories and immediately dispose of any blueberries matching these details.
What is a
Listeria outbreak
?
A listeria outbreak is a situation where two or more people get sick from eating food contaminated with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. This can happen when food is processed, prepared, or stored in unsanitary conditions. Listeria outbreaks are typically identified when multiple individuals experience similar illnesses after consuming the same potentially contaminated food.
Why is Listeria such a concern?
Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that thrives in refrigerated environments, unlike many other foodborne pathogens.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
While healthy individuals might experience mild symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea, the infection can escalate to more severe conditions, such as meningitis, particularly in those over 65, pregnant individuals, newborns, or the immunocompromised.
According to FDA data, listeriosis is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the US, responsible for approximately 260 deaths annually.
Listeriosis: Symptoms and prevention
Listeria can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Listeriosis symptoms can range from mild, like fever and diarrhea, to severe, including meningitis or sepsis, especially in vulnerable populations. Listeria can be transmitted through contaminated food, and outbreaks are often linked to ready-to-eat foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and smoked seafood.
Proper food handling, including cooking to safe temperatures and avoiding high-risk foods, is crucial to prevent listeriosis.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Is a common worm medication the cure for aggressive cancer?
Researchers at the University of Arizona Cancer Center find a possible new treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma. This aggressive skin cancer may respond to pyrvinium pamoate. The Food and Drug Administration approved this drug in 1955 for pinworm infections. Lab tests show the medication can stop cancer cell growth. It also reverses the cancer's neuroendocrine features. Cancer treatment has come a long way. From therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy, modern medicine offers different treatment options that can significantly improve survival rates and also the quality of life for many patients. Yet, for some rare and aggressive cancers, effective treatments remain limited. A medication originally developed to treat pinworm infections could offer a new line of defense against one of the aggressive cancers, according to a study. A new study led by University of Arizona Cancer Center researchers found that pinworm medication has the potential to treat aggressive skin cancer. The findings are published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation . Pinworm medication to treat skin cancer Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer. It is a rare but fast-growing neuroendocrine cancer that is three to five times more likely than melanoma to be deadly. Response rates to current therapies such as surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy are limited, resulting in a need for effective and broadly applicable therapeutics. 'Merkel cell carcinoma is increasing in incidence. Even though it's a rare cancer type, it mimics a lot of properties that other cancers have,' senior author Megha Padi, PhD, a U of A Cancer Center member and an assistant professor in the U of A College of Science, said in a statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One plan. Total peace of mind. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo The researchers found that a common pinworm medication may stop and reverse cancer growth in Merkel cell carcinoma. The medication is pyrvinium pamoate, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1955 to treat pinworms. This drug has been shown to have antitumor potential in several different cancers, including breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and bladder cancers. However, this is the first time it has been studied in models of Merkel cell carcinoma. The study (Pic courtesy: iStock) To understand if the pinworm medication is effective in treating Merkel cell carcinoma, the researchers tested it in laboratory models. They found that pyrvinium pamoate inhibited cancer cell growth and reversed the cancer's neuroendocrine features. This medication helped to reduce tumour growth in mouse models of Merkel cell carcinoma. Top Supplements for Men's Health Over 30 'This is a hypothesis, but some people think the reason an antiparasitic agent could be effective against cancers is because tumors are a little bit like parasites in our body. Parasites and tumors must develop ways to use scarce resources in their host to feed themselves and allow for unlimited multiplication. If the pathways that they have hijacked to feed themselves are the same, then you get lucky, and you have a tumor type that could be amenable to killing by these antiparasitic drugs,' Padi said. The researchers decided to test pyrvinium pamoate after discovering the Wnt signaling pathway as one of the molecular mechanisms that drives the transition of normal cells into Merkel cell carcinoma. Pyrvinium pamoate is a known Wnt pathway inhibitor. While the pinworm medication has shown promise in treating aggressive forms of cancer, the researchers added that further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols for the development of pyrvinium pamoate as a clinically useful medication for Merkel cell carcinoma.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Top US doctor warns of common habits that are silently harming the gut
Harvard-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi highlights common habits silently harming gut health. Eating too fast triggers bloating, while artificial sweeteners disrupt the gut microbiome. Skipping meals leads to insulin spikes, and sleep deprivation weakens the gut lining. Excessive painkiller use damages the digestive tract. Dr. At a time when we are constantly bombarded by food vloggers glorifying midnight junk food cravings and online wellness influencers pushing the so-called gut-detox drinks, a Harvard doctor is urging people to hit pause and pay closer attention to their everyday habits. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, has shared a list of common habits that are silently destroying gut health. The gut doctor said that these common habits could be wreaking havoc on your digestive system. Let's take a look. Eating too fast Life has gotten so busy that many people barely take the time to sit down and enjoy a meal. Rushing through meals has become more common. Though many won't understand the danger behind it, Dr. Sethi warned that this habit can affect gut health. He noted that eating too fast can trigger bloating and acid reflux. When you eat too quickly, you often fail to chew your food properly. This forces the stomach to work harder to break down food, which can lead to discomfort and strain on the digestive system. The fix? Take your time. Give yourself at least 20 minutes per meal to improve digestion and reduce symptoms. Turning to artificial sweeteners Dr. Sethi has warned against using too many artificial sweeteners. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Нов таблет с Android Pro 14 Murreice Купете сега Undo Artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame, found in many diet sodas and sugar-free products, may seem harmless, but can disrupt gut health. These sweeteners can alter the gut microbiome and potentially cause inflammation and digestive issues. Limiting artificial sweeteners and opting for natural alternatives, such as honey, if your health condition permits it, would be a better option. Skipping meals and later overeating Irregular eating habits can cause more harm than you think. Amidst work deadlines and personal duties, people tend to skip meals throughout the day, and then overeat at night. The gastroenterologist has warned that this habit may lead to insulin spikes and also put undue stress on the digestive system. This irregular pattern of eating can also lead to weight gain and gut inflammation over time. Focus on eating balanced meals at consistent times, do not starve your body, or overwhelm it with excess food. Balance is the key. Not getting enough sleep (Pic courtesy: iStock) Among the many things people tend to sacrifice to squeeze in their personal or career goals is their sleep. However, sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on your health, especially the gut. A restful sleep provides the gut time to rest for the next day. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts this process. Lack of sleep can weaken the gut lining and increase the risk of issues like leaky gut syndrome. Remember, sleep is non-negotiable. Aim for at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep nightly. Excess use of painkillers Most of us have the habit of popping painkillers every now and then. But it may be doing more harm than good. Dr. Sethi has stressed that excessive use of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) can damage the gut lining. NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and diclofenac can cause irritation, ulcers, or even bleeding in the digestive tract over time. Remember, NSAIDs are helpful but should be used sparingly. Brandon Gill's 'Uncivilised' Jab at Mamdani Sparks Cultural Backlash Online
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Top US doctor says one does not need liver detox, eating these vegetables daily does the job
Dr. Joseph Salhab highlights the importance of diet for liver health, recommending cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and leafy greens such as collard greens. These vegetables naturally boost Phase II detox enzymes, aiding the liver's detoxification process. Incorporating these foods, along with regular exercise, supports optimal liver function without needing detox supplements. The liver is not just the largest organ in the human body, it performs over 500 vital functions, including the digestion of proteins, mineral storage, bile production, and blood filtration. The liver really keeps your body running smoothly behind the scenes, and yet most of us barely give it a second thought until something goes wrong. Liver disease is on the rise, with many being diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). But taking care of liver health does not really require fancy supplements or extreme detox. What you eat can significantly impact your liver health. Dr. Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist, has now shared a list of vegetables he eats to keep his liver in the best shape possible. 'You don't need a 'liver detox' or cleanse,' Dr. Salhab said in a video shared on Instagram. He shared a list of vegetables he eats and added, 'These veggies naturally boost Phase II detox enzymes within your liver. Your liver already detoxifies your body, and good nutrition helps it work at its best. It's because they're high in compounds like sulforaphane, which help induce Phase II enzymes' Cruciferous vegetables Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage can help improve liver function. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo These vegetables contain sulforaphane, a compound that boosts Phase II enzymes. This compound has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Eating these vegetables can provide a protective effect on the liver. A 2007 study also confirmed that consuming Brassica vegetables like cabbage increased the activity of phase II detoxification enzymes in the liver. You can incorporate these veggies several times a week for maximum benefit. Leafy greens (All Images Courtesy: istock) Eat your greens, especially leafy greens, if you want to boost liver health naturally. The gastroenterologist noted that leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens are excellent choices to improve liver function. These greens contain detox-active compounds that enhance liver efficiency. Swiss chard, which is lower in sulforaphane, however, contains other detox-supporting nutrients. He also suggests adding arugula and watercress, which can contribute to liver health by supporting enzyme activity. You can add watercress in salads, smoothies, or even eat it lightly sautéed. You can eat most of these vegetables raw or lightly cook them to preserve their nutrients. Avoid overcooking. You can add healthy fats like olive oil for better nutrient absorption. Along with a balanced diet, regular exercise has also been shown to improve liver function.
