A significant food safety alert has been issued across North America, with a major recall of frozen blueberries due to potential contamination with listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause severe illness or even death. The recall affects products distributed in both Canada and the United States, highlighting cross-border concerns in food supply chains.
Scope and Details of the Recall
The recall involves approximately 55,689 pounds (equivalent to 2,526 kilograms) of frozen blueberries. The potentially contaminated product was distributed by the Oregon Potato Company, which is based in Salem, Oregon. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the blueberries were sent to food manufacturers and food service distributors, meaning they were not sold directly to consumers in retail stores. This distribution method underscores the risk to processed foods and institutional settings.
Geographic Distribution and Timeline
The recalled blueberries were sold across Canada and in several U.S. states, including Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. The recall was first issued on February 12, 2026, as noted on the FDA's website, but it was escalated to a Class I recall on February 24, 2026. This classification indicates the highest level of risk, as defined by food safety authorities.
Understanding the Class I Recall Classification
A Class I recall is the most serious category in food safety protocols. As explained by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), this classification is applied when "there is a high risk that consuming the food may lead to serious health problems or death." Listeria monocytogenes is particularly dangerous because it can cause listeriosis, an infection that may result in severe symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues, with higher risks for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Implications for Public Health and Industry
This recall serves as a critical reminder of the importance of rigorous food safety measures in the agricultural and distribution sectors. The involvement of a large quantity of product—over 55,000 pounds—suggests a widespread issue that could impact numerous food products downstream. Consumers are advised to check with food service providers and manufacturers to ensure that any products containing frozen blueberries are safe, as the contaminated batch was not available in retail stores but could be used in items like baked goods, smoothies, or frozen desserts.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and further updates are expected as investigations progress. This incident underscores the need for ongoing vigilance in food supply chains to prevent such high-risk contaminations and protect public health across North America.
