FDA Issues Class I Recall on Alma Pak Organic Blueberries Over Listeria Risk
In July 2025, Blueberries made major headlines not for their superfood status, but due to a serious Class I recall issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall stemmed from potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous pathogen known to cause severe illness and even death in vulnerable populations.
But despite the recall, blueberries continue to be one of the most nutritionally powerful fruits available. Backed by hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, they offer benefits ranging from heart and brain health to diabetes prevention and anti-cancer activity.
In this article, we will explore:
- The FDA’s latest recall notice on organic blueberries.
- What Listeria infection means for human health.
- How blueberries support human health based on clinical evidence.
- How consumers can balance safety with nutritional benefit.
FDA Recall 2025: What You Need to Know
What Happened?
In June 2025, Alma Pak International LLC issued a recall of its organic blueberries due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination detected during routine testing. By July 1, 2025, the recall was elevated by the FDA to Class I the highest level of public health risk.
Details of the Recalled Product:
| Criteria | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Alma Pak International LLC |
| Product | Organic Blueberries |
| Quantity | 400 boxes, each 30 lb (~12,000 lb total) |
| Lot Numbers | 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096 |
| Shipped to | A single customer in North Carolina |
| Reason | Detection of Listeria monocytogenes |
| FDA Classification | Class I (Serious health risk) |
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection with symptoms like:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Confusion and stiff neck (in severe cases)
Populations most at risk include:
- Pregnant women (risk of miscarriage or stillbirth)
- Newborns
- Elderly individuals
- Immunocompromised patients
CDC estimates ~260 deaths and ~1,600 infections annually in the U.S. due to Listeria contamination (CDC, 2022).
What Is the FDA Doing About It?
This recall follows broader FDA efforts under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Recent FDA surveillance strategies include:
- Routine microbial testing of frozen and fresh berries.
- Partnerships with growers to reduce contamination risk.
- New "Berry Safety Strategy" launched in early 2025 to prevent hepatitis A, norovirus, and Listeria outbreaks in fresh and frozen produce.
The FDA tested over 1,500 frozen berry samples by mid-2023, highlighting the increasing importance of regulatory oversight in consumer safety (FDA, 2023).
Blueberries: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Despite the recall, the health benefits of blueberries remain scientifically undeniable. As one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits, blueberries are packed with polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals.
Here’s what research says:
1. Cardiovascular Health
Study: Basu et al. (2010), Journal of Nutrition
- Daily consumption of blueberries (50g freeze-dried) for 8 weeks significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive adults.
- Blueberries improve endothelial function and reduce arterial stiffness—key markers of cardiovascular health.
Mechanism: High in anthocyanins (natural pigments), blueberries help increase nitric oxide production and reduce oxidative stress, lowering blood pressure.
2. Brain Function and Cognitive Protection
Study: Krikorian et al. (2012), Annals of Neurology
- Older adults with mild cognitive impairment who consumed blueberry juice daily for 12 weeks showed significant improvements in memory function and learning ability.
- Blueberries were shown to activate brain regions associated with cognitive tasks.
Mechanism: Anthocyanins cross the blood-brain barrier and protect neurons from oxidative damage, inflammation, and amyloid plaque formation (linked to Alzheimer’s).
3. Anti-Diabetic Effects
Study: Stull et al. (2010), Journal of Nutrition
- Obese adults with insulin resistance who consumed blueberry smoothies twice daily for 6 weeks experienced greater insulin sensitivity compared to placebo.
Mechanism: Polyphenols improve glucose uptake and reduce inflammation in insulin-resistant cells, making blueberries beneficial for type 2 diabetes management.
4. Cancer Prevention Potential
Study: Seeram et al. (2006), Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
- Blueberry extracts showed anti-proliferative effects against multiple human cancer cell lines, including breast and colon cancers.
Mechanism: Blueberries inhibit cancer cell growth through apoptosis induction and free radical scavenging.
5. Gut Health and Microbiome Support
Study: Vendrame et al. (2011), Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- Regular blueberry intake positively altered the gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.
Mechanism: Polyphenols act as prebiotics, supporting healthy microbial balance and gut barrier integrity.
Safety First: What Should Consumers Do?
- Check your packaging for the recalled lot numbers (13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096).
- Do NOT consume affected products.
- Return or discard the blueberries immediately.
- Seek medical attention if you feel symptoms like high fever, nausea, or body aches.
- Stay updated via the FDA recall database: www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
Industry Response and Preventive Measures
USDA & Industry Collaboration
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) has launched ongoing food safety programs and partnered with the FDA to:
- Track outbreaks and contamination trends.
- Train growers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs).
- Use water-quality testing and sanitization protocols at processing plants.
Increased FDA Testing
The FDA’s expanded Frozen Berries Sampling Program is designed to monitor contamination in:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Mixed berries
This proactive testing helps prevent nationwide outbreaks before they occur.
Expert Advice: Balancing Risk and Reward
“While recalls are a concern, they are a testament to the safety checks in place. Blueberries, when sourced from reliable suppliers, remain among the healthiest fruits available.”
Dr. Walter Willett, Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Conclusion: Enjoy Responsibly, Eat Safely
The 2025 FDA recall of Alma Pak blueberries serves as a wake-up call about the importance of food safety. But it shouldn't overshadow the proven and powerful health benefits of blueberries—when grown, handled, and consumed responsibly.
If you're buying fresh or frozen berries:
- Choose trusted suppliers or USDA-certified organic brands with transparent sourcing.
- Wash berries thoroughly before consumption even if pre-washed.
- Keep berries refrigerated and consume within recommended timeframes.
Blueberries are more than a trending superfood—they’re a clinical powerhouse backed by decades of research.
📚 References
- Basu A, Rhone M, Lyons TJ. (2010). Berries: emerging impact on cardiovascular health. Nutrition Reviews, 68(3):168-77.
- Krikorian R, et al. (2012). Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults. Annals of Neurology, 69(1):112-22.
- Stull AJ, et al. (2010). Bioactives in blueberries improve insulin sensitivity in obese, insulin-resistant men and women. The Journal of Nutrition, 140(10):1764-8.
- Seeram NP, et al. (2006). Blueberry phytochemicals suppress human cancer cell proliferation. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 54(25):9326-31.
- Vendrame S, et al. (2011). Blueberry consumption affects the composition of the gut microbiota. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 36(6):913-9.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Listeria data & outbreaks.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). Sampling assignment: frozen berries.
- U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. (2025). Recalls and food safety updates. https://ushbc.blueberry.org