Latest news with #AlmaPak
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
12,000 pounds of organic blueberries recalled over Listeria risk — here's what to know
The frozen berries were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina, but the FDA has issued its highest-level health warning. A frozen fruit recall is drawing national attention, but it all comes down to one state. North Carolina is the only area affected by a new FDA blueberry recall, after a batch of frozen organic fruit tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during finished product testing. The fruit came from Alma Pak International, a Georgia-based supplier, and was shipped on or before June 9, 2025, to a single commercial customer. The FDA has since elevated the recall to Class I — the agency's highest risk category for products that pose a serious health threat if consumed. What's the Recall? Here are the details of the recall so that you can check for affected product in foodservice settings or repackaged goods. Alma Pak Organic Blueberries (frozen) Shipped in 30-pound bulk boxes Lot numbers: 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096 The recalled blueberries were shipped to a single commercial customer in North Carolina. The FDA has not issued a consumer-facing press release, and the buyer has not been named. These berries were not sold directly to consumers, but could potentially have been used in food service, commercial baking, or other large-batch applications. No other Alma Pak products or lots are included in this recall. Why This Recall Matters Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens, and frozen fruit, while often considered lower risk, has been the source of several high-profile recalls in recent years. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria can survive freezing temperatures, meaning contaminated fruit remains hazardous even straight from the freezer. While most healthy individuals may experience only mild symptoms, Listeria infections can be life-threatening for pregnant people, newborns, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. This recall is especially concerning because the blueberries were shipped in bulk, unlabeled boxes. While there's no confirmed evidence the product reached consumers, it's possible the fruit was used in prepared foods like baked goods, smoothies, or frozen blends sold regionally. The Class I designation is not limited to E. coli or meat contamination. It applies to any situation where the FDA sees a 'reasonable probability' that exposure could cause serious illness, including Listeria, undeclared allergens, and other high-risk threats. What to Do If you operate a foodservice business or grocery in North Carolina, check with your distributor to determine whether the affected lot codes were received. The FDA recommends discarding any impacted product and thoroughly sanitizing any prep surfaces, containers, or equipment that may have come into contact with the berries. If you're a consumer who recently bought bulk or repackaged organic frozen blueberries, especially from a small grocer, farmers market, or co-op, ask whether they source fruit from Alma Pak. If you're not sure, it's safest to throw it out. Even frozen fruit isn't immune from contamination. A Class I recall means the risk is real and worth taking seriously, even in just one state. Solve the daily Crossword
Health Line
08-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Blueberry Recall Elevated to Highest Level Due to Listeria Contamination
The FDA issued its highest-level risk warning for a recent recall of hundreds of boxes of organic blueberries manufactured in Georgia. Alma Pak International issued the voluntary recall in June after obtaining positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes in two lots of its products. Foodborne illness from listeria can range from mild to severe, and it's important to seek treatment right away if you think you've eaten something contaminated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its highest-level risk warning over a recent recall of hundreds of boxes of organic blueberries due to possible listeria contamination. Alma Pak International LLC, a Georgia-based food manufacturer, issued a voluntary recall for 400 boxes of organic blueberries weighing 30 pounds each. The boxes were primarily shipped to one customer in North Carolina. The manufacturer initiated the recall on June 9 after receiving positive test results for Listeria monocytogenes following routine testing. The affected boxes include the Lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096. On July 1, the FDA issued a Class 1 risk classification for the recall, which indicates 'a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.' Healthline couldn't reach Alma Pak for comment, but the company told Newsweek in a statement that 'the affected product was fully recovered prior to reaching the retail market. As a result, no product was sold to consumers, and there was no risk to public health.' 'Alma Pak International has implemented additional corrective actions and preventive controls to further strengthen its already rigorous food safety systems. All products at Alma Pak undergo comprehensive testing, in addition to a strong environmental monitoring program. In response to the incident, intensified vector sampling was conducted to support the company's proactive 'seek and destroy' commitment. All subsequent samples collected during this enhanced monitoring process tested negative for Listeria monocytogenes, further confirming the effectiveness of the food safety program,' the statement continued. What to know about listeria Foods contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may lead to foodborne illnesses ranging from mild to severe symptoms. Less severe symptoms of listeria infection (listeriosis) generally resolve in 1–3 days and typically include: fever nausea and vomiting diarrhea muscle ache When foodborne illness from listeria contamination becomes severe, it can be life-threatening. These symptoms may include: headaches, neck stiffness confusion, loss of balance convulsions Severe infections are particularly dangerous for newborns, adults over age 65 and those with weakened immune systems. Young infants, pregnant people, older adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals are most at risk for severe illness from listeria. If you experience flu-like symptoms or develop any of the above symptoms after eating, it's important to contact your doctor right away. Early treatment for listeria infection can help prevent severe illness. How does listeria bacteria grow? Despite the FDA's recently issued high-level risk warning for blueberries, the general public need not panic. 'Blueberries are generally safe for consumption. While contamination can happen, it's rare, and proper handling usually keeps the risk very low,' said Michelle Routhenstein, MS, a registered dietitian with Entirely Nourished, specializing in heart disease. While the overall risk is low, Listeria m onocytogenes may develop in food products during the manufacturing process. ' Listeria can grow if the berries come into contact with contaminated water, dirty equipment, or unclean surfaces during harvesting or packaging. It can also grow if the berries aren't kept cold enough or if workers don't follow proper hygiene practices,' Routhenstein told Healthline. 'Listeriacan also spread through cross-contamination. This occurs when ready-to-eat foods come into contact with surfaces or equipment that have been contaminated with the bacteria. For example, using the same cutting board for raw meat and then for fruit or vegetables without proper cleaning can lead to contamination and potential illness,' she said. How to lower your risk of listeria You can minimize your risk of listeria contamination in blueberries and other fresh fruits by washing them thoroughly under running water before preparing, cooking, or eating them. Routhenstein suggested using a produce brush to wash any fruits with firm skins or rinds. She noted that properly storing fruits in the refrigerator and keeping them away from raw meats and other possible sources of contamination can also help lower one's risk.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blueberry Recall Elevated to Highest Level in 1 State Due to Listeria Risk
Organic blueberries have been recalled nationwide after the FDA confirmed a listeria contamination risk The FDA escalated the recall to Class I, the most serious level for potential health threats Contaminated blueberries were shipped to North Carolina with lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096A nationwide recall of organic blueberries has just been escalated, so fruit salad makers ahead of the holiday weekend may need to double-check their labels. On Monday, June 9, Alma Pak International LLC announced a voluntary recall of 400 boxes (each weighing 30 pounds) of its organic blueberries due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a potentially dangerous bacterium, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA elevated the recall on Tuesday, July 1, to a Class I recall — the highest, most serious recall classification. This classification is defined as a situation where there's a 'reasonable probability' that consuming the contaminated product could lead to serious health issues, including death. The recalled blueberries were shipped to one customer in North Carolina; however, officials urge those who may come into contact with the affected batch — marked with Lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096 — to avoid consuming them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Listeria is a bacterium that can contaminate a variety of foods and can cause infection through consumption. Symptoms of the infection may vary, but in severe cases, it can lead to serious invasive illness and intestinal illness, and could even be fatal. In fact, the CDC lists Listeria as the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the U.S., with 1,600 people infected and about 260 deaths each year. Consumers are encouraged to stay alert, check products carefully before eating, and toss potentially contaminated products if uncertain. This latest blueberry recall comes amid a string of recent food recalls across the country tied to listeria risks. Back in May, pre-packaged pasta meals that are sold in Walmart and Kroger were recalled after the products were linked to three deaths, one fetal loss and 17 instances of illnesses, across 13 states, from August 2024 to May 2025. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Popular Summer Fruit Is Being Recalled For a Life-Threatening Reason—Here's What to Know
This Popular Summer Fruit Is Being Recalled For a Life-Threatening Reason—Here's What to Know originally appeared on Parade. Just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, the FDA issued an update to a recall of a popular summer fruit that is likely to be served at backyard BBQs everywhere. On July 1, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made the urgent update, explaining the increased risk to customers who may have purchased blueberries that are believed to have been contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes. According to the statement from the FDA, 400 boxes of 30 pound boxes of organic blueberries from Alma Pak International, LLC. have been recalled as a result of the bacteria. 😋😋SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔 Alma Pak recalled the blueberries after routine testing uncovered a positive test result for Listeria. The company said that the recall involved lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 appears that the blueberries were sent to a single distribution center in North Carolina before the recall was issued. Now, the FDA has updated the recall, giving it a Class I ranking, the highest classification the government agency issues. A Class I status is reserved for instances when the FDA believes that the public is at an increased risk of a negative health outcome, which makes sense in this case since Listeria is involved. Listeria is a bacteria that can cause significant health complications in the very young, very old, or those who are immunocompromised or pregnant. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of Listeria infection include flu-like symptoms, fever, confusion, headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, and seizures. For those who are pregnant, there is an added layer of risk, and the infection can cause premature birth, stillbirth, miscarriage, and more. If you have purchased the blueberries included in the recall, it is very important that you discontinue using them at once. Fortunately, there have been no reported illnesses as a result of this recall as of the time of Popular Summer Fruit Is Being Recalled For a Life-Threatening Reason—Here's What to Know first appeared on Parade on Jul 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blueberries Recalled After FDA Issues Highest Warning Over Listeria Contamination
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a Class I recall for roughly 12,000 pounds of blueberries from Georgia-based Alma Pak International, LLC. A Class I recall is the most severe type of recall possible, reserved only for when there is a reasonable probability that eating a "product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." While blueberries are generally considered healthy since they're full of essential nutrients, such as Vitamins C and K, manganese, and dietary fiber, the 400 30-pound boxes being recalled might not be as healthy as others. The FDA notes the company received positive test results of Listeria monocytogenes on the recalled berries during routine testing. Listeria, a type of bacteria, can cause listeriosis, symptoms of which include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizures and more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms usually occur within two weeks of eating food contaminated with Listeria, the CDC notes. The recalled berries were shipped to one customer in North Carolina and include lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G 1096. The recall is voluntary, meaning the company initiated it, according to the FDA. Listeria is most likely to harm pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, but others "rarely become seriously ill," according to the CDC. Listeria can also cause intestinal illness, symptoms of which include diarrhea and vomiting. The CDC recommends that anyone who has a fever and at least one other listeriosis symptom after eating the recalled berries, or anything else that could be contaminated with listeria, should see a doctor. However, for those who have eaten listeria-contaminated food and do not feel sick, most experts believe there is no need for tests or treatment, the CDC notes. Kraft-Heinz also this month recalled roughly 367,812 pounds of turkey over potential listeria contamination, according to the USDA. The news comes during the peak season for blueberries in Georgia, according to Explore Georgia, which is roughly from mid-April through the end of Recalled After FDA Issues Highest Warning Over Listeria Contamination first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 3, 2025
