The Alma Pak blueberry recall refers to a voluntary meals recall initiated after habitual trying out discovered strains of Listeria monocytogenes — a risky pathogen which could purpose intense illness — in packaged blueberries dispensed with the aid of using Alma Pak, a Georgia-primarily based totally fruit processing company.
This recall is a part of a broader fashion of expanded meals protection vigilance in the U.S. and highlights ongoing worries surrounding clean produce infection.
What Is Listeria and Why Is It Dangerous?
Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium discovered in soil, water, and a few animal feces. When ingested, it could purpose listeriosis, a probably extreme illness, specifically for:
Pregnant women
Newborns
Elderly individuals
People with weakened immune systems
Key Facts:
Incubation period: 1 to 70 days (most normally 1 to 4 weeks)
Hospitalization price for listeriosis: Over 90% (CDC)
Mortality price: Around 20–30% in intense cases
Annual U.S. cases: Estimated 1,six hundred ailments and 260 deaths (CDC, 2024)
Details of the Alma Pak Blueberry Recall
Background:
In early 2025, Alma Pak issued a voluntary recall of numerous blueberry products after an inner and third-celebration lab trying out detected the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The infection became observed in the course of a habitual product sampling initiative carried out in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Affected Products:
Product Type: Fresh blueberries
Packaging: 6 oz, 18 oz, and pint-sized plastic clamshell bins
Label: “Alma Pak” or non-public-label partners (e.g., Kroger, Walmart shop brands)
Best By Dates: Ranged from March 2025 to June 2025
Lot Numbers: Specific levels supplied with the aid of using Alma Pak (test reputable FDA site)
Distribution Areas:
Products had been shipped throughout a couple of states, including:
Georgia
North Carolina
Florida
South Carolina
Alabama
Tennessee
Mississippi
Virginia
Timeline of Events:
March 2025: Routine sampling begins
April 2025: Positive Listeria pattern discovered
May 2025: FDA notified
June 2025: Official recall assertion issued
Symptoms and Health Risks of Listeria Infection
Listeriosis can give in another way relying on the man or woman and their immune status.
Common Symptoms:
Fever
Muscle aches
Nausea or diarrhea
Headache
Confusion
Loss of balance
Convulsions (in intense cases)
High-Risk Groups:
Pregnant women: Risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or new child infection
Immunocompromised individuals: Cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and those with HIV/AIDS
If You Suspect Illness:
See a health practitioner immediately.
Request blood or spinal fluid trying out for Listeria.
Early remedy with antibiotics can save you headaches.
What Consumers Should Do: Step-with the aid of using-Step Guide
If you’ve got got bought blueberries that can be a part of the Alma Pak recall, this is a way to act:
1. Check Your Packaging
Look for:
Alma Pak branding or non-public label equivalents
Matching lot numbers and Best By dates
2. Do Not Eat the Product
Even if it seems and smells fine, Listeria may also nevertheless be a gift.
3. Dispose of the Product Safely
Seal the package deal tightly
Discard it in a sealed trash bag
Wash palms very well afterward
4. Clean Any Surfaces
Disinfect countertops, slicing boards, and bins the fruit touched.
5. Monitor Your Health
Be alert for signs for as much as 4 weeks. If signs arise, seek advice from a healthcare provider.
6. Report the Product
Contact Alma Pak’s purchaser service
File a grievance with the FDA’s Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your state
How to Identify Recalled Blueberries
Look for the subsequent indicators:
Product labels reading “Packed with the aid of using Alma Pak”
Clear plastic clamshell packaging
Lot codes and Best By dates supplied in the recall notice
Still unsure? You can test the FDA’s Recalls web page or name Alma Pak directly.
Recent Trends in Blueberry Recalls (As of 2025)
A Rise in Produce-Related Outbreaks
According to the CDC’s 2025 Produce Safety Report, fruit recollects — especially for berries — have expanded with the aid of using 12% 12 months over 12 months.
Contributing Factors:
Climate Change: More common severe climate ends in soil and water infection.
Centralized Packaging Facilities: A single difficulty at a primary processor can have an effect on shipments nationwide.
Expanded Testing: Improved detection strategies locate extra contaminants than ever earlier than.
Alma Pak in the Spotlight
While Alma Pak has a commonly tremendous tune record, this marks its 2nd massive recall in 5 years, prompting purchaser advocacy companies to call for more potent oversight.
Regulatory Oversight and Testing Practices
FDA’s Role:
The FDA enforces the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), requiring:
Regular inspections
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans
Mandatory product recollects for extreme risks
Alma Pak’s Responsibilities:
Conduct everyday microbial trying out
Report any infection to the FDA inside 24 hours
Maintain traceability facts under FSMA’s Produce Rule
Real-Life Cases and Legal Actions
Case Study 1: Pregnant Woman Hospitalized in Florida
A lady in Tampa became hospitalized in April 2025 after ingesting recalled Alma Pak blueberries. Her toddler was brought up front because of headaches from listeriosis. She has seen that filed a lawsuit bringing up clinical negligence and damages.
Case Study 2: Class Action Suit Filed
A class-action lawsuit regarding over 50 clients is being pursued in Georgia, annoying reimbursement for:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Emotional distress
What logo of blueberries are being recalled?
The logo being recalled is Alma Pak International LLC’s natural blueberries.
Here are the important thing details:
The recall became voluntarily initiated with the aid of Alma Pak International LLC, a Georgia-primarily based total dealer of frozen and clean fruit.
Specifically affected were 400 containers (weighing ~30 lb each) of natural blueberries categorized and dispensed with the aid of Alma Pak.
These products, marked with Lot Numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096, had been shipped to a single purchaser in North Carolina.
The FDA unique this as a Class I recall—the very best danger level—because of extreme fitness consequences, and all affected containers had been recovered earlier than obtaining clients.
Final Thoughts
The Alma Pak blueberry recall is a stark reminder of the significance of meal protection in our houses and grocery stores. While Listeria is rare, its severity can’t be underestimated.
FAQs
Can you prepare dinner or freeze the microorganism out of blueberries?
Cooking may also kill Listeria, however freezing does not. Contaminated frozen fruit stays dangerous to eat.
What do I have to do if I already ate the recalled blueberries?
Monitor your health for symptoms of listeriosis for up to 4 weeks and contact your healthcare provider if you feel unwell.
Why is Listeria so dangerous compared to other foodborne bacteria?
Listeria can survive at refrigeration temperatures and cross the placental barrier, making it particularly dangerous for unborn babies and vulnerable adults.
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