Blueberry desserts recalled in multiple states over fears of contamination with deadly bacteria
Thousands of frozen blueberry desserts are being recalled in two states over fears they may be contaminated with a deadly bacteria.
Oregon-based Willamette Valley Pie Company, LLC, is recalling more than 3,800 frozen raw bulk blueberry crumble pies for potential contamination with listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that causes the illness listeriosis.
The recall applies to 182 four-pie cases of 8-inch frozen blueberry crumble pies and 777 four-pie cases of 9-inch frozen blueberry crumble pies.
The 8-inch pies have a best-by date of January 19, 2028 and the 9-inch pies have a best-by date of January 13, 2028.
The frozen pies were sold in bulk to grocery stores in Illinois and Oregon. No illnesses have been reported in connection to the recall.
The recall has been classified as Class II, indicating ‘a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.’
Listeria infections often begin with flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and headache, but for vulnerable groups, the illness can be deadly.
Pregnant women face miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening complications for their newborns. Older adults and immunocompromised individuals may experience severe neurological effects, including confusion, seizures and even death.
The recall applies to 182 four-pie cases of 8-inch frozen blueberry crumble pies and 777 four-pie cases of 9-inch frozen blueberry crumble pies (stock image)
While healthy adults usually recover, the elderly are at much higher risk of fatal outcomes due to age-related immune decline.
Around 90 percent of people with listeriosis require hospitalization, while 20 to 30 percent of patients die. The CDC estimates that of 1,600 cases every year, roughly 260 do not survive.
UPC codes can be found on the pies. The 8-inch desserts have a code of 0002251881223 and the 9-inch variety have 00022518893257.
The pies were sold to in-store bakeries and are intended to be baked by the retailers before being sold to customers. The frozen pies were not sold directly to consumers.
The recall does not specify which ingredient in the pies is thought to be contaminated.
Last month, however, Oregon-based Oregon Potato Company issued a warning over 55,689 pounds of blueberries and the FDA upgraded it to a Class I last week.
A Class I recall indicates ‘a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.’
The recall was issued because the blueberries may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes.
The cases and containers of blueberries were sold in four states: Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin and Michigan.
The recall applies to 30-pound cases and 1,400-pound totes.
