The Oregon Potato Company, operating as Willamette Valley Fruit Company, has issued a voluntary recall of 55,689 pounds of frozen blueberries due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was originally initiated on February 12, 2026, and was upgraded by the FDA to a Class I classification on February 24, 2026—the agency’s highest and most serious risk level, indicating a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death if the product is consumed.
What’s Being Recalled?
The affected product is Willamette Valley Fruit Company‘s IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) Blueberries, distributed in bulk packaging not sold at retail stores. The blueberries were packaged in two formats: 30-pound corrugated cases containing a polyethylene bag, and 1,400-pound industrial-sized containers with a polyethylene liner. The lot numbers for the 30-pound cases are 2055 B2, 2065 B1, and 2065 B3, with expiration dates of July 23 and July 24, 2027. The 1,400-pound containers carry lot numbers 3305 A1 and 3305 B1, with an expiration date of November 25, 2027. The blueberries were distributed to commercial customers in Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as Canada.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
The blueberries may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium commonly found in soil, water, and food-processing environments that can survive and even grow under refrigeration. Consuming Listeria-contaminated food can cause listeriosis, a serious illness that can be life-threatening—particularly for pregnant people, older adults, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. The FDA’s Class I classification signals this is among the most serious category of recalls. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall.
What Should You Do?
Because these blueberries were distributed only to commercial and institutional customers—not sold in retail stores—individual consumers are unlikely to have purchased them directly. However, if you work in foodservice, distribution, or a business that received bulk frozen blueberries from Willamette Valley Fruit Company, check your inventory immediately against the lot numbers listed above. The company has stated it is working with its customers and the FDA to return or destroy all affected product. If you believe you may have consumed the recalled blueberries or become ill, contact the FDA’s main emergency line at 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366) or submit a report through the FDA’s online MedWatch form.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/blueberry-recall-update-four-states-fda-risk-level-listeria-11579545
