US blueberry boxes recalled over listeria warning
Boxes of the organic fruit weigh 30 pounds each (Picture: Getty Images)
Alma Pak International LLC voluntarily recalled 400 boxes, weighing 300 pounds each, of its organic blueberries on June 19
Food safety officials say the bacteria were discovered during ‘routine testing’ of the finished product.
The recall is Class 1, the most serious category, indicating that exposure to the product will likely cause health consequences or even death.
Of the contaminated boxes, just a single box was shipped to a customer in North Carolina, according to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
The affected product can be identified by the Lot numbers: 13325 G1060 / 13325 G 1096.
What is listeria?
Listeria is typically a food-borne bacteria (Picture: Getty Images)
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can be deadly, often found lurking inside deli meat, fish, unpasteurised milk and pre-cut fruit.
After coming into contact with listeria, symptoms typically develop within 10 weeks.
But if the bacteria spreads beyond the intestines, it can cause more severe, flu-like symptoms like muscle aches, fever and seizures.
Listeria infection kills roughly 260 people a year, making it the third leading cause of death from food-borne illness in the US.
If you suspect food is contaminated with listeria, any surfaces or items that touched it should be cleaned with hot, soapy water.
Listeria monocytogenes bacteria is a rare infection (Picture: Getty Images/Science Photo Libra)
Many products have been recalled in the US in recent weeks, with shoppers urged to return the item for a refund or wrap it up and put it in the bin.
FDA officials recalled a popular children’s cough syrup last month because a batch was found to contain Bacillus cereus, which can lead to two types food-borne illnesses.
While more than 15,000 pounds of beef and meat jerky were taken off supermarket shelves because of an undeclared allergen and misbranding.
