FDA Blueberry Recall: 55,000 Pounds Tainted with Listeria
You reach into the freezer for a bag of blueberries, and instead of breakfast, you get a recall notice. The FDA has upgraded a frozen blueberry recall to its most serious level — Class I — after more than 55,000 pounds tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.
Recall date: Feb 26, 2026 ·
Pounds of blueberries recalled: over 55,000 ·
FDA class: Class I (highest risk) ·
Affected states (US): 4 states ·
Contaminant: Listeria monocytogenes ·
Recall type: Voluntary, FDA-upgraded
Quick snapshot
- 55,689 pounds frozen blueberries recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes (CBS News (credible news outlet))
- Recall initiated Feb 12, 2026; upgraded to Class I Feb 24, 2026 (ABC News (major news network))
- Affected states: Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, plus Canada (FOX 13 Seattle (local affiliate))
- Exact brand names and lot codes not fully detailed in all public sources (no official source)
- Whether any illnesses have been reported is not confirmed (no official source)
- Full list of retail chains beyond those mentioned is incomplete (no official source)
- Total recall quantity may be updated as FDA completes investigation (no official source)
- From routine testing in early Feb to Class I upgrade in 12 days (ABC News)
- Consumers should check freezers for recalled products and return or discard them
- FDA will continue monitoring; additional retailers may be identified
Six key facts frame the recall’s scope and severity:
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Recall initiation | Voluntary recall announced Feb 2026 |
| FDA upgrade date | Feb 26, 2026 to Class I |
| Quantity | Over 55,000 pounds |
| Geographic scope | 4 US states + Canada (limited distribution) |
| Pathogen | Listeria monocytogenes |
| Risk level | Class I – can cause serious illness or death |
Which brand of blueberries were recalled?
The recalled blueberries were packaged under the Willamette Valley Fruit Company label, produced by Oregon Potato Company based in Salem, Oregon (ABC News (major news network)). The product was not sold directly to consumers in retail stores (CBS News).
Recalled brand details
- Company: Oregon Potato Company (doing business as Willamette Valley Fruit Company)
- Location: Salem, Oregon (ABC News)
- Not sold at retail; distributed to industrial and food service customers
Lot numbers and packaging
- 30-pound corrugated cases with lot codes: 2055 B2, 2065 B1, 2065 B3 (CBS News)
- 1,400-pound totes with lot codes: 3305 A1 and 3305 B1 (CBS News)
The implication: consumers who buy in bulk from food service channels should verify their inventory immediately.
What areas are affected by the blueberry recall?
The recall covers a limited but geographically spread area.
Distribution regions (US and Canada)
- Michigan, Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin (CBS News)
- Canada (FOX 13 Seattle)
Retail chains impacted
- Because the product was not sold directly to consumers, retail impact is limited to food service and bulk buyers.
- Some reports suggest possible connection to Aldi and Costco, but this is not yet confirmed by official sources (YouTube news clip).
What this means: if you buy pre-portioned frozen blueberries from a grocery store, your bag likely comes from a different supply chain. Bulk buyers should verify their inventory.
Will washing blueberries remove Listeria?
One of the most common questions about any produce recall is whether a good rinse will save the day. For Listeria, the answer is no.
Why washing frozen berries does not eliminate Listeria
- Listeria monocytogenes can survive in cold temperatures and adheres to the surface. Rinsing with water may reduce but does not eliminate the pathogen (FDA (food safety regulator)).
- Freezing does not kill Listeria; it only halts growth.
Safe handling of recalled products
- Do not open or wash the recalled berries.
- Return to place of purchase or discard in a sealed container.
- Cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F kills Listeria (CDC (public health authority)). However, for recalled products, disposal is the recommended action.
Washing gives a false sense of security. Heat is the only reliable way to kill Listeria, but if your blueberries are part of the recall, don’t cook them — return or discard them.
The pattern: disposal is the only safe course for recalled products.
Is there a recall on blueberries from Aldi?
Shoppers at Aldi have asked whether the discount chain is affected. Here’s what we know.
Aldi’s supplier and recall status
- The recalled product from Willamette Valley Fruit Company is not sold directly to consumers, so Aldi’s own-brand frozen blueberries are likely sourced from a different supplier.
- A YouTube news clip mentioned Berry North as an Aldi supplier, but this has not been confirmed by official recall documents (YouTube news clip).
How to check Aldi frozen blueberries
- Look for lot codes on the package; if they match the recalled codes (2055 B2, 2065 B1, 2065 B3, 3305 A1, 3305 B1), treat them as suspect.
- Contact Aldi customer service for verification specific to your region.
The implication: without a direct recall notice from Aldi, the risk for typical Aldi shoppers appears low, but checking labels is always wise.
What does a Class I recall mean for consumers?
The FDA’s classification system tells you how serious a recall is. Class I is the top rung.
FDA recall classifications explained
- Class I: “Reasonable probability that use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death” (FOX 13 Seattle).
- Class II: may cause temporary or reversible health consequences.
- Class III: not likely to cause adverse health consequences.
Risks of listeriosis
- Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea; severe cases can lead to meningitis or death (CDC).
- Pregnant women, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk.
A Class I upgrade means the FDA believes the risk is real and urgent. Even if you haven’t seen symptoms, if you have recalled blueberries in your freezer, treat them as unsafe.
The catch: even without symptoms, the risk of serious illness warrants immediate action.
Timeline of the recall
The recall moved quickly from discovery to highest alert.
- Early Feb 2026 – Discovery of Listeria monocytogenes in frozen blueberry samples during routine testing (ABC News).
- Mid-Feb 2026 – Voluntary recall initiated by manufacturer/distributor.
- Feb 24, 2026 – FDA upgrades recall to Class I, affecting 55,689 pounds (ABC News).
- Feb 26, 2026 – FDA formally announces Class I classification (CBS News).
The pattern: from positive test to Class I upgrade took about two weeks, underscoring the speed with which regulators acted once the contamination was confirmed.
What’s confirmed and what’s not
Confirmed facts
- 55,689 pounds frozen blueberries recalled for Listeria monocytogenes (CBS News)
- Recall initiated Feb 12, 2026; upgraded to Class I Feb 24, 2026 (ABC News)
- Distributed in MI, OR, WA, WI, and Canada (FOX 13 Seattle)
- Lot codes published for 30-lb cases and 1,400-lb totes (CBS News)
- Product not sold directly to consumers (CBS News)
What’s unclear
- Exact brand names and lot codes not fully detailed in all public sources (no official source)
- Whether any illnesses have been reported is not confirmed (no official source)
- Full list of retail chains beyond those mentioned is incomplete (no official source)
- Connection to specific retailers like Aldi and Costco remains unconfirmed (no official source)
- Total recall quantity may be revised as FDA continues investigation (no official source)
The distinction between confirmed and unclear helps consumers focus their attention on verified information.
Expert perspectives on the recall
“There is a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to the violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”
— FDA, as reported by FOX 13 Seattle
“We are fully cooperating with the FDA and have initiated a voluntary recall to protect public health.”
— Oregon Potato Company / Willamette Valley Fruit Company, as reported by CBS News
“The speed of the upgrade to Class I signals that regulators found the contamination widespread enough to warrant immediate action.”
— Food safety analyst comment via YouTube news clip
These statements reinforce the seriousness of the recall.
Product specifications
The recalled lots share specific packaging and code patterns:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Individually quick frozen (IQF) blueberries |
| Packaging | 30-lb corrugated cases and 1,400-lb totes |
| Lot codes (30-lb cases) | 2055 B2, 2065 B1, 2065 B3 (CBS News) |
| Lot codes (1,400-lb totes) | 3305 A1, 3305 B1 (CBS News) |
| Manufacturer | Oregon Potato Company d/b/a Willamette Valley Fruit Company |
| Manufacturer location | Salem, Oregon (ABC News) |
| Recall quantity | 55,689 pounds |
| Distribution channel | Food service / industrial, not retail |
| FDA classification | Class I (highest risk) |
| Upgrade date | Feb 24, 2026 |
The specification table provides a quick reference for identifying recalled lots.
This FDA blueberry alert echoes similar concerns raised in the recent Listeria cheese recall Canada, highlighting the ongoing risk of Listeria in refrigerated foods.
Frequently asked questions
Can listeria in blueberries be killed by cooking?
Yes, cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F kills Listeria monocytogenes. However, if your blueberries are part of the recall, do not cook them — return or discard them according to recall instructions.
How long does it take for listeria symptoms to appear?
Symptoms of listeriosis typically appear 1 to 4 weeks after exposure, but can start as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after.
Are frozen blueberries safe to eat if cooked?
If the blueberries are not part of the recall, cooking them to 165°F kills any potential Listeria. For recalled lots, disposal is recommended because the product is known contaminated.
How do I check if my blueberries are part of the recall?
Look for the lot codes on the package. If you have 30-pound cases with codes 2055 B2, 2065 B1, or 2065 B3, or 1,400-pound totes with codes 3305 A1 or 3305 B1, they are affected. Also check if the product is from Willamette Valley Fruit Company.
What should I do if I ate recalled blueberries?
Most healthy people will not become ill. Monitor for symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea. If you are pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, contact your healthcare provider.
Are all brands of frozen blueberries affected?
No. Only the specific lots from Willamette Valley Fruit Company are part of this recall. Most store-brand frozen blueberries come from different suppliers.
Related reading
- What Is Popcorn Lung? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment – Evergreen food safety health risk.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes: Safe Tips & Easy Ideas – Food safety guidance for home cooking.
For consumers who buy frozen blueberries in bulk through food service channels, the CBS News coverage makes clear that checking lot codes is the only way to be sure. If you are a home cook who grabs a bag from the grocery store freezer, the risk is minimal — but the lesson remains: always check recall alerts, even for products you think are safe. For the FDA, the Class I upgrade signals that listeria in frozen fruit is a threat that demands swift action. For the American consumer, the choice is simple: verify your lot numbers, or toss the bag.
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