Hundreds of blueberry boxes recalled over ‘severe’ listeria warning in the US

Hundreds of boxes of blueberries in the US have been recalled over fears they’re contaminated with listeria.

Alma Pak International LLC voluntarily recalled 400 boxes, weighing 300 pounds each, of its organic blueberries on June 19

Food safety officials say the bacteria were discovered during ‘routine testing’ of the finished product.

The recall is Class 1, the most serious category, indicating that exposure to the product will likely cause health consequences or even death.

Of the contaminated boxes, just a single box was shipped to a customer in North Carolina, according to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

The affected product can be identified by the Lot numbers: 13325 G1060 / 13325 G 1096.

What is listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can be deadly, often found lurking inside deli meat, fish, unpasteurised milk and pre-cut fruit.

In mild cases, listeria may cause diarrhoea and vomiting that clears up within three days.

After coming into contact with listeria, symptoms typically develop within 10 weeks.

But if the bacteria spreads beyond the intestines, it can cause more severe, flu-like symptoms like muscle aches, fever and seizures.

Listeria infection kills roughly 260 people a year, making it the third leading cause of death from food-borne illness in the US.

If you suspect food is contaminated with listeria, any surfaces or items that touched it should be cleaned with hot, soapy water.

Many products have been recalled in the US in recent weeks, with shoppers urged to return the item for a refund or wrap it up and put it in the bin.

FDA officials recalled a popular children’s cough syrup last month because a batch was found to contain Bacillus cereus, which can lead to two types food-borne illnesses.

While more than 15,000 pounds of beef and meat jerky were taken off supermarket shelves because of an undeclared allergen and misbranding.

A pre-made salad from Isabelle’s Kitchen was also recalled after testing found it contained cucumbers infested with salmonella.

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