North Carolina consumers are being urged to check their produce as a major Class I recall has been issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over a potentially deadly listeria contamination in a massive shipment of organic blueberries.

According to the FDA, 12,000 pounds of blueberries produced by Alma Pak International, a Georgia-based packaging company, have been pulled from distribution after routine testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen that poses a grave threat to public health — particularly to pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

A Dangerous Discovery

The blueberries in question were packed in 400 30-pound boxes and shipped to a single unnamed distributor in North Carolina, though the precise identity of the distributor remains undisclosed by the FDA. This has raised concern among consumers and grocers across the state as it remains unclear how many retail stores or supermarkets may have received the potentially contaminated fruit.

The recall was initiated on June 9, after Alma Pak received positive listeria test results from finished products during a routine inspection.

In a statement posted on its website, the FDA classified this as a “Class I recall,” the most serious category, indicating “a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

What Is Listeria and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a potentially fatal infection. While healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea, listeria can result in miscarriages, stillbirths, or life-threatening infections in newborns. Invasive listeriosis has a mortality rate of around 20-30%, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In an outbreak scenario, it can take weeks or months for symptoms to emerge, making early detection and product tracking crucial. Because listeria survives at refrigerator temperatures, even washing or freezing the berries does not neutralize the risk.

Who Is at Risk in North Carolina?

The recall affects one customer in North Carolina, but with no details about how the blueberries were redistributed, the potential reach is wider than initially assumed. Local markets, health food stores, and even online retailers could be unknowingly selling these berries to consumers right now.

FDA has not disclosed whether any illnesses or deaths have been reported so far, but given the severity of the classification, the agency is urging consumers, wholesalers, and retailers to stay vigilant.

If you suspect you purchased the affected blueberries, you are advised to:

• Check the label for packaging origin (look for Alma Pak, Alma, Georgia).
• Dispose of the product immediately if suspected.
• Sanitize all surfaces and storage containers that came in contact with the fruit.
• Contact the store or vendor from which the blueberries were bought.

Alma Pak Responds

Alma Pak International, a family-owned business known for its organic fruit packaging, has yet to release a public statement addressing the recall. Founded in Alma, Georgia, the company supplies berries to various national chains and independent distributors.

Despite the company’s silence, industry experts believe the contamination may have occurred during the final packaging phase — a point where bacteria can thrive in moisture-rich environments if not handled with strict food safety protocols.

Recalls Are Rising: A National Food Safety Wake-Up Call

This blueberry recall comes amid a growing concern about food safety standards in the U.S. Just in the last few months, the FDA and USDA have reported numerous recalls involving everything from bagged salads to deli meats, many of which were linked to the same bacteria — listeria.

“This isn’t just a random incident,” said Dr. Elaine Porter, a microbiologist and food safety expert at UNC Chapel Hill. “We’re seeing a pattern. Facilities handling raw, organic produce must elevate their cleanliness and inspection standards. The cost of complacency is literally lives.”

What Happens Next?

The FDA continues to investigate the extent of the contamination. Meanwhile, food safety advocates are calling for greater transparency from distributors, improved tracking technology for produce, and mandatory recall notifications in stores and online platforms.

For now, consumers are advised to stay updated through the FDA Recall Portal and to report any symptoms of listeriosis to their healthcare provider immediately.