Alma Pak issues a major recall of frozen blueberries due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Learn which products are affected, the health risks involved, and what to do if you’ve purchased them.

Alma Pak Issues Nationwide Blueberry Recall Due to Listeria Risk: What Consumers Need to Know

In a recent food safety alert that has sent ripples across the United States, Alma Pak, a North Carolina-based fruit packaging company, has issued a nationwide recall of its frozen blueberries due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium known to cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. The recall affects specific lots of frozen blueberries distributed under several popular retail brands, sparking alarm among consumers and reigniting discussions on food safety and pathogen control in the frozen food industry.

What Is the Alma Pak Blueberry Recall About?

On June 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the voluntary recall initiated by Alma Pak after internal testing indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in certain lots of frozen blueberries. The products were distributed to major grocery retailers across the United States, including in-store and private label brands.

The recall includes frozen blueberry packages under brand names such as:

Great Value Frozen Blueberries (Walmart)
Good & Gather Blueberries (Target)
Thrive Market Organic Blueberries
Nature’s Touch Frozen Blueberries

The affected products were packed in resealable plastic bags with best-by dates ranging from April 2026 to August 2026 and lot numbers beginning with “AP”.

Alma Pak has emphasised that the recall is a precautionary measure and no illnesses have been reported at the time of publication. However, due to the high-risk nature of Listeria, especially in vulnerable populations, the recall is being treated with utmost urgency by both health officials and the general public.

Understanding Listeria: A Deadly Bacterium

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that can survive and grow in refrigerated environments—making frozen foods particularly vulnerable if contamination occurs during processing. Unlike many foodborne bacteria, Listeria can multiply even at low temperatures.

Health risks associated with Listeria include:

Listeriosis, a serious infection causing fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.
Meningitis or septicemia in severe cases.
Pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature labor.
Increased risk for immunocompromised individuals, such as the elderly and cancer patients.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1,600 people get listeriosis in the U.S. annually, and approximately 260 die as a result. The high mortality rate makes Listeria one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens.

How the Contamination Was Detected

According to a statement released by Alma Pak, the contamination was discovered during routine quality assurance testing conducted by an independent laboratory. Upon confirmation of the positive result, the company promptly informed the FDA and initiated a voluntary recall to mitigate any potential health risks.

The company is now working closely with federal food safety regulators to trace the source of contamination, which may have occurred during the processing or packaging stage. Production has been temporarily halted at the facility until a full investigation is completed.

What Consumers Should Do

The FDA and Alma Pak are advising consumers to check their freezers immediately for the recalled frozen blueberries. Any affected products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers should NOT consume the product, even if it looks or smells normal. Listeria contamination cannot be detected by taste or appearance, and freezing does not kill the bacteria.

If you have consumed the affected blueberries and are experiencing symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, nausea, stiffness, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea—especially if you are pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised—you should seek medical attention immediately.

To assist with identifying the products, consumers are encouraged to visit the official recall notice on the FDA website or contact Alma Pak directly through their customer support line.

Public Response and Industry Implications

The recall has raised concerns among consumers about the safety of frozen produce and the effectiveness of existing food safety protocols. While recalls involving fresh produce are more common, frozen food recalls tend to cause greater alarm due to the assumption that freezing neutralizes all pathogens.

Food safety advocates are calling for increased oversight and regular pathogen testing at every stage of the food production chain—from harvesting and handling to freezing and packaging.

The incident also puts a spotlight on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) protocols, which are supposed to prevent such contamination in the first place. Experts suggest that companies may need to adopt newer technologies such as High Pressure Processing (HPP) or cold plasma sterilization to improve microbial safety in frozen foods.

Alma Pak’s Official Statement

In a press release, Alma Pak said:

“We take the safety of our customers extremely seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation. Our facilities are currently undergoing deep sanitation, and we are working with food safety consultants to identify any areas for improvement. We apologize for the inconvenience and concern this has caused our consumers.”

The company has pledged to improve its quality control and implement additional testing to prevent such incidents in the future.

A Pattern of Recalls: Is This an Industry-Wide Problem?

This incident is not isolated. In recent years, frozen fruits and vegetables have been linked to several high-profile recalls involving Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli. The industry’s increasing reliance on automation and global supply chains means that a single lapse can result in contamination on a large scale.

Some food safety analysts argue that the rise in recalls is also a reflection of better testing methods and greater transparency. Still, the frequency with which these recalls occur points to underlying systemic challenges in food processing and distribution.

What’s Next?

The FDA continues to monitor the situation closely and will update the public if more products are affected. Meanwhile, consumers are urged to remain vigilant, follow recall instructions carefully, and report any health issues to local health departments or the FDA’s MedWatch reporting program.

For Alma Pak, rebuilding consumer trust will require not only immediate corrective action but also long-term commitment to higher safety standards and greater transparency.

The Alma Pak blueberry recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous food safety practices in the frozen food sector. While no reported illnesses have been tied to this specific recall yet, the potential severity of Listeria infection means the stakes are high. Whether this becomes a turning point for more stringent safety regulations or just another headline remains to be seen—but for now, consumers would be wise to check their freezers and stay informed.

FAQs

Q1: Can I wash or cook the blueberries to make them safe?
A: No. Washing will not remove Listeria, and freezing doesn’t kill it. Cooking may reduce the risk, but it’s not guaranteed. Discarding is the safest option.

Q2: Where can I find the lot number and best-by date?
A: These are typically located on the back of the package near the barcode or the top seal area.

Q3: Are fresh blueberries affected?
A: No. The recall only involves frozen blueberries from Alma Pak.

Q4: How do I report symptoms or get help?
A: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have symptoms. You can also report incidents to the FDA’s MedWatch programme.

Stay safe, stay informed. Follow Europeans24 for updates!