Our Table Cooperative of Sherwood, OR, is recalling frozen blueberries because testing showed Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The bacteria can easily survive freezing temperatures.
The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the company that revealed the product contained Listeria monocytogenes.
There is concern that consumers may have the product in their homes because of the long shelf life of frozen berries.
The recalled product was distributed in Oregon to the following locations from March 12-29.
- Alberta Co-op Grocery
- Food Front
- Green Zebra Grocery
- Helvetia Farm Market
- Our Table Cooperative
- People’s Food Co-op
- Canopy & Understory
- Milk Glass Market
- Shine Distillery
- Sweedeedee
The product comes in bulk cases, 2.5-pound or 5-pound plastic bags.
As of the posting of this recall, no illnesses had been reported.
Consumers who have purchased the affected product are urged to destroy or return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.
About Listeria infections
Food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled but can still cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections. Anyone who has eaten any recalled product and developed symptoms of Listeria infection should seek medical treatment and tell their doctors about the possible Listeria exposure.
Also, anyone who has eaten any of the recalled products should monitor themselves for symptoms during the coming weeks because it can take up to 70 days after exposure to Listeria for symptoms of listeriosis to develop.
Symptoms of Listeria infection can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Specific laboratory tests are required to diagnose Listeria infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
Pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and people such as cancer patients who have weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illnesses, life-threatening infections, and other complications. Although infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, their infections can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
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