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12,000 Pounds of Blueberries Recalled in NC: FDA Warns of ‘Serious Health Consequences’ from Listeria Contamination

There is a reasonable probability of death,” says FDA in Class I recall involving Georgia-based Alma Pak’s organic blueberries shipped to North Carolina.

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3 months ago

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Blueberry Recall in North Carolina: FDA Issues Class I Listeria Warning Over 12,000 Pounds
A shipment of organic blueberries from Georgia is at the center of a serious FDA recall after testing positive for Listeria monocytogenes. Consumers are urged to discard affected products immediately.

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.

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Health

Measles Alert in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast 11 Locations Named in 1 Health Warning

Queensland Health urges vaccination after a returned traveller from Bali tested positive for measles.

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1 week ago

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September 27, 2025

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Measles Alert in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast as Traveller Tests Positive
Queensland Health issues measles alert after traveller visits multiple Brisbane and Sunshine Coast locations.

A fresh measles alert has been issued across Queensland, with health officials warning residents of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to stay vigilant. The alarm was raised after a traveller returning from Bali was confirmed to be infectious, sparking concern among public health authorities.

The case, revealed on September 25, 2025, has prompted Queensland Health to issue a public advisory. According to Dr Doug Shaw, a Metro North Public Health physician, anyone who visited the identified locations should monitor for symptoms over the next 18 days.

“If they do develop symptoms, they should seek medical advice immediately,” Dr Shaw said.

Early Symptoms to Watch

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads rapidly through coughing and sneezing. Dr Shaw reminded residents that early signs include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, inflamed eyes

These are often followed by a blotchy red rash, which typically begins on the face before spreading across the body.

Measles Alert in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast as Traveller Tests Positive

Locations of Possible Exposure

The measles patient was infectious while visiting several busy public spots between September 19–21, 2025. Health authorities listed the following sites:

Friday, September 19

  • Uroko Sushi, Everton Park Plaza (7:15 pm – 8:45 pm)
  • Miss Sophia’s Gelateria, Stafford Road (8:15 pm – 9:00 pm)
  • Brisbane Domestic Airport arrivals (9:00 pm – 9:45 pm)
  • Woolworths Skygate, Brisbane Airport (9:30 pm – 10:30 pm)

Saturday, September 20

  • Yiayia’s Pantry, Toowong (11:30 am – 12:45 pm)
  • Woolworths West Village, West End (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm)
  • Harris Farm Markets, West End (12:30 pm – 1:45 pm)

Sunday, September 21

  • La Casa Restaurant, Mooloolaba Esplanade (1:30 pm – 2:30 pm)
  • Surf Dive and Ski, Mooloolaba Esplanade (4:15 pm – 5:00 pm)
  • Artigiano Gelato, Mooloolaba Esplanade (4:45 pm – 5:45 pm)
  • Mooloolaba Fish Market (5:30 pm – 6:45 pm)

Officials stressed that these venues no longer pose a risk, but individuals who were present should remain cautious and self-monitor.

Measles Alert in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast as Traveller Tests Positive

Why Vaccination Matters

Measles can spread to up to 90% of non-immune people exposed, making vaccination critical. Queensland Health reiterated that the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) remains the most effective safeguard.

The vaccine is:

  • Free for children at 12 and 18 months of age.
  • Free for anyone in Queensland born since 1966 who hasn’t received two doses.
  • Recommended for travellers heading overseas, as measles remains prevalent in parts of Asia and Africa.

Dr Shaw added that if anyone is unsure of their vaccination history, an additional dose is both safe and encouraged.

Queensland Health Advice

People who suspect they may have measles should:

  1. Call ahead before visiting their GP or a medical centre, allowing staff to prepare protective measures.
  2. Stay home and avoid crowded areas until cleared by a medical professional.
  3. Notify close contacts if a positive diagnosis is confirmed.

The Bigger Picture

The reappearance of measles in Queensland comes amid a global uptick in vaccine-preventable illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned that falling immunisation rates in some countries could trigger outbreaks.

Australia, which eliminated endemic measles transmission in 2014, remains vulnerable to imported cases, particularly from travel hotspots like Bali. As global borders stay open, health officials stress the importance of collective immunity to prevent wider outbreaks.

Community Reaction

Local residents across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast expressed concern. Parents in Toowong and Mooloolaba said the alert was a wake-up call about ensuring children’s vaccines are up to date. Meanwhile, frequent flyers at Brisbane Airport noted how easily such viruses can spread through crowded terminals.

Final Word

This measles scare is a reminder that while Australia has made progress in public health, complacency could roll back decades of success. The best defence remains vaccination, early detection, and responsible behaviour when symptoms appear.

Stay tuned with Daily Global Diary for further updates on health alerts, travel advisories, and safety guidelines.

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Health

7 AFL Legends return tonight in Legends Game for Prostate Cancer and fans can’t believe who’s lining up

Marvel Stadium will host the iconic Four’N Twenty Legends Game tonight as stars like Brendan Fevola, Luke Hodge, Nick Riewoldt, and Erin Phillips step back on the field to raise funds for prostate cancer research.

Published

2 weeks ago

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September 24, 2025

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Legends Game 2025 Marvel Stadium AFL stars unite for Prostate Cancer
AFL greats Brendan Fevola, Nick Riewoldt, and Erin Phillips return for the Four’N Twenty Legends Game at Marvel Stadium.

The wait is finally over. For the first time since 2019, the famous Four’N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer is back tonight, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most entertaining nights in Australian sport. Fans across Melbourne and beyond will see some of the biggest names in AFL history return to the turf at Marvel Stadium, this time not for premiership points but for something far greater — raising funds for the Australian Prostate Centre.

The Legends Game has always been about more than football. It’s about laughter, nostalgia, and most importantly, awareness. Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among Australian men, and events like these help fund vital research collaborations and patient care.

Who’s playing tonight?

The lineup for this year’s match is packed with household names that fans thought they’d never see back in boots. Brendan Fevola, a cult hero of Carlton Football Club, is set to pull on the jersey again. But this time, the fun twist is that he’ll actually be playing against his fellow Fox FM colleague, comedian Nick Cody, in what promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Joining them are Bob Murphy, the much-loved former Western Bulldogs skipper and current ABC Melbourne radio voice, as well as Luke Hodge, the four-time premiership champion from Hawthorn Football Club who later added another chapter at the Brisbane Lions.

Legends Game 2025 Marvel Stadium AFL stars unite for Prostate Cancer

Fans will also see Nick Riewoldt, one of the greatest players in St Kilda’s history, and AFLW icon Erin Phillips, who has done as much as anyone to grow the women’s game. Zach Tuohy, the proud Irish recruit who has built a brilliant career at Geelong, is lining up too.

The atmosphere at Marvel Stadium is expected to be electric with the gates opening at 5.45 pm and the first bounce scheduled for 7.30 pm.

Match details at a glance

  • When: Thursday, 28 August 2025
  • Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
  • Teams: Victoria v All Stars
  • Time: 7.30 pm first bounce (gates open 5.45 pm)
  • Tickets: legendsgame.com.au or Ticketmaster

Where to watch and listen

If you can’t make it to Marvel Stadium, there are plenty of ways to be part of the action. The match will be broadcast live and free from 7.00 pm AEST on Seven and 7plus Sport, while fans in Adelaide can tune in from 6.30 pm on 7mate. Perth fans get their feed from 5.00 pm local time.

The commentary team for the TV broadcast is stacked with personalities: Brian Taylor, Matthew Richardson, Rebecca Maddern, Andy Maher, Billy Brownless and the irrepressible Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico.

For fans who prefer radio, SEN has it covered with live coverage from 7.00 pm across its wide network, including SEN 1116 Melbourne, SEN SA 1629 Adelaide, SEN Goldfields, and streaming through the SEN App. The SEN commentary box features Stephen Quartermain, Liam Pickering, Josh Jenkins, and Julian de Stoop.

Legends Game 2025 Marvel Stadium AFL stars unite for Prostate Cancer

Why it matters

For many of the players, tonight is less about the scoreboard and more about the cause. Every dollar raised goes towards advancing prostate cancer research at the Australian Prostate Centre, helping improve outcomes for patients and their families. Fans unable to attend can still play a role by purchasing a Virtual Legends Seat at virtualseat.legendsgame.com.au.

This year’s event carries extra significance. It marks a revival after a long pause since 2019, reminding everyone how sport can unite people in fun, nostalgia, and compassion.

The human touch behind the spectacle

What makes this game special is the camaraderie. Watching Fevola crack jokes, Murphy lace up again, or Phillips showcasing her skills will remind fans of footy’s lighter side. Yet beneath the laughs lies a serious message: prostate cancer doesn’t discriminate, and research saves lives.

As one fan put it on social media, “It’s not just about goals and handballs tonight. It’s about remembering our mates, our dads, our brothers who fought this battle.” That human connection is why the Legends Game continues to matter so deeply.

For those tuning in, tonight’s game is not only a chance to see the past stars of AFL light up Marvel Stadium again, but also an opportunity to stand with thousands in supporting men’s health.

Visit our site for more news www.DailyGlobalDiary.com.

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Health

Trump Links Tylenol Use in Pregnancy to Autism Despite Decades of Evidence Supporting Safety

Controversy erupts as former President and anti-vaccine allies question acetaminophen’s safety

Published

2 weeks ago

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September 23, 2025

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Trump Links Tylenol Use in Pregnancy to Autism Despite Evidence; Experts Criticize Claim
Trump claims Tylenol in pregnancy increases autism risk, sparking criticism from medical experts and advocacy groups.

In a highly controversial announcement on Monday, former President Donald Trump claimed that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will alert doctors that using Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy may be associated with a “very increased risk of autism,” despite decades of scientific evidence supporting its safety.

Speaking from the White House alongside US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trump urged caution for pregnant people, suggesting Tylenol should only be used when medically necessary.

“They are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary, such as to treat fever, if you can’t tough it out,” Trump said.

Experts and researchers, however, have pointed out that autism is a multifactorial condition and no causal relationship has been established with acetaminophen. High fevers during pregnancy, left untreated, pose significant risks including miscarriage, birth defects, and high blood pressure.

Scientific Evidence Contradicts the Claims

Numerous studies affirm the safety of acetaminophen when used responsibly. A 2024 peer-reviewed Swedish study in JAMA involving over two million children found no association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, a BMC Environmental Health 2025 study concluded that while some associations exist, causality could not be established.

Medical professionals have strongly criticized the announcement. Dr. Steven J. Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, called it “irresponsible,” stating:

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“Today’s announcement dangerously simplifies the many complex causes of neurologic challenges in children and is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence.”

Similarly, Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation, labeled it “dangerous,” emphasizing that no new studies were presented and that the statements could unduly alarm parents and pregnant individuals.

Public Health Concerns

Trump and Kennedy also used the forum to comment on childhood vaccinations, including delaying the hepatitis B shot, a strategy that public health officials have long endorsed for newborn protection. Critics argue that the announcement undermines established guidance and may discourage safe use of over-the-counter medications during pregnancy.

The FDA clarified that while it is beginning the process to update acetaminophen labeling and notify physicians, parents still retain decision-making authority. Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, reaffirmed the drug’s safety and stressed consulting healthcare providers before use.

donald trump jpg Daily Global Diary - Authentic Global News


“Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women… Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through fevers or use riskier alternatives,” the company said.

As the debate unfolds, medical experts urge pregnant individuals to continue evidence-based practices, emphasizing the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration under professional guidance.
For more Update http://www.dailyglobaldiary.com

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