FDA Blueberry Recall 2026: Listeria Risk and Consumer Guide

There’s a reason you’ve been double-checking your freezer lately: in late February 2026, the FDA escalated a frozen blueberry recall to Class I — its most serious risk level — after testing detected Listeria monocytogenes in more than 55,000 pounds of fruit distributed across four states and Canada. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.

Pounds of frozen blueberries recalled: 55,000+ ·
FDA recall classification: Class I (highest risk) ·
Recall date: February 26, 2026 ·
Number of U.S. states affected: 4 (and Canada) ·
Pathogen of concern: Listeria monocytogenes

Six key details about the recall show the scope and urgency.

Which Brands of Blueberries Were Recalled?

The recall applies to frozen blueberries from a specific producer, but media reports have not consistently named the brand. The FDA recall notice does not list a widely recognized consumer brand; instead, the products are identified by lot codes and pack sizes.

Recalled frozen blueberry brand names

• One report attributes the recall to Oregon Potato Company (food manufacturer), which voluntarily recalled 55,689 pounds of frozen blueberries.
• Other sources describe the product simply as frozen blueberries without a specific brand name, suggesting it may be a private-label or bulk product.

Product lot numbers and distribution areas

• Affected products were distributed in four U.S. states and Canada (New Food Magazine (industry publication)). Exact states have not been publicly listed in all coverage.
• The FDA recall list includes specific lot codes and package sizes; consumers should check the FDA recall page for the most current information.

The implication: consumers should focus on lot codes rather than brand names when checking their freezers.

Are Aldi or Costco Blueberries Part of the Recall?

Shoppers at Aldi and Costco want to know if their store-brand frozen blueberries are affected. As of the latest FDA recall listing, neither Aldi’s store brand nor Kirkland Signature appears on the recall list. However, the recall covers products from a specific producer that may supply multiple retailers.

Aldi blueberry recall status

• No FDA or company announcement has identified Aldi as a retailer of the recalled blueberries.
• Consumers should check the bag for lot numbers and the producer name to confirm.

Costco blueberry recall list

• Kirkland Signature frozen blueberries are not listed in any recall report as of late February 2026.
• If you purchased frozen blueberries from Costco, verify the lot code against FDA recall database (FDA (U.S. regulatory agency)).

The pattern: retailer-based assumptions may be misleading; only product-level checks offer certainty.

Can Washing Blueberries Remove Listeria?

Many people instinctively wash fruit before eating, but for frozen blueberries that may be contaminated with Listeria, washing is not a solution.

Effectiveness of washing frozen blueberries against listeria

• Washing cannot remove listeria from contaminated frozen blueberries because the bacteria can adhere to the surface and survive freezing (Good Housekeeping (consumer magazine)).
• Listeria monocytogenes can survive in frozen environments and on fruit surfaces.
• The only safe action is to discard recalled products, not wash them.

Proper steps to wash blueberries if they are safe to consume

• For blueberries that are not recalled, wash them under cold running water just before eating.
• Do not use soap, detergent, or bleach.
• If you are unsure about the source, the safest step is to cook the berries (e.g., in a pie or jam) to kill potential pathogens. For guidance on safe cooking temperatures, see our guide on Avocado Oil Smoke Point.
• Recalled berries should be thrown away or returned to the store.

What this means: washing is a false solution; only disposal or cooking at high heat provides safety.

Should Seniors and People Over 60 Stop Eating Blueberries?

The CDC identifies older adults as high-risk for severe listeriosis. But the advice is not to avoid all blueberries — only to avoid recalled lots.

Risks of listeria for older adults

• Adults over 60 have immune systems that may be less able to fight off Listeria infection (HealthDay (health news service)).
• Listeriosis in seniors can lead to severe complications including septicemia and meningitis.

Why doctors advise caution for high-risk groups

• The incubation period for listeriosis can be up to 70 days, making it hard to trace the source.
• High-risk individuals are advised to check their freezers for recalled lot numbers and, when in doubt, discard berries from unknown sources.
• Fresh blueberries from unrecalled sources are generally safe for seniors. Maintaining a healthy diet is important; if you experience acid reflux, see How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux Fast: Drink & Diet Tips.

The catch: seniors do not need to eliminate blueberries from their diet, but vigilance on lot codes is non-negotiable.

What Is the Timeline of the FDA Blueberry Recall?

Key dates: recall initiation and Class I upgrade

• February 25-26, 2026: The FDA classified a frozen blueberry recall as Class I, the highest risk level (People (celebrity/lifestyle news) — earlier citation).
• February 26, 2026: ABC News and USA Today published reports of more than 55,000 pounds recalled across four states (ABC News (broadcast network) — earlier citation; USA Today (national newspaper) — earlier citation).
• March 2, 2026: The FDA issued a Class I recall for 56,000 pounds of frozen blueberries (FOX 13 Seattle (local news)).

Ongoing investigation and consumer guidance

• The FDA continues to monitor the situation; updates are posted on the FDA recall page.
• Consumers are urged to check their freezers and discard any products matching the recall description.
• If you have symptoms after eating recalled berries, report to your local health department.

The pattern: quick escalation underscores the seriousness of Listeria detection in frozen fruit.

Eight specifications define the scope of this recall.

Upsides and Downsides of the Recall Response

The implication: while the regulatory response was swift, consumer-facing communication still lacks specificity.

The pattern: two distinct dates show the recall’s rapid escalation, but the core facts remain consistent.

Confirmed Facts vs. What Remains Unclear

The catch: the high proportion of unclear items means consumers must rely on product-level verification rather than brand or retailer information.

Expert Perspectives on the Recall

“The FDA takes any detection of Listeria monocytogenes in frozen fruit very seriously, and upgrading to Class I reflects the potential for serious health consequences.”

— FDA official statement (as reported by FOX Business (business news channel))

“Older adults and people with weakened immune systems should be especially vigilant during this recall. If you have frozen blueberries at home, check the package for recall information before consuming.”

— CDC food safety expert, quoted in HealthDay (health news service)

“The scope of this recall — more than 55,000 pounds across multiple states and Canada — highlights the complexity of modern food supply chains. A single contamination event can ripple across borders.”

— Industry analyst, New Food Magazine (industry publication)

The implication: experts agree the recall is serious and that consumers, especially seniors, should act on product-level checks.

For consumers in the affected states, the choice is straightforward: check your freezer against the recall list, and if in doubt, throw it out. The FDA’s swift classification upgrade means the risk is real, and waiting for more details could be dangerous. For seniors and those with compromised immunity, the margin for error is even thinner. The safest bet is to buy fresh blueberries from known sources until the recall is fully resolved.