Berries and Chocolate Recalled Due to Severe Health Risks - FDA Reports

Two separate food safety recalls have been issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, affecting organic blueberries and chocolate products. Both items pose serious health risks to consumers.

Alma Pak International LLC voluntarily recalled 400 boxes of organic blueberries after routine testing revealed contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The Georgia-based company initiated the recall on June 9, with the FDA escalating it to Class I status on July 1.

The Class I designation represents the most serious level of recall, indicating products that could cause "serious adverse health consequences or death." The contaminated blueberries were distributed to North Carolina, with each of the 400 recalled boxes weighing 30 pounds.

Consumers can identify affected products by lot numbers 13325 G1060 and 13325 G 1096. The company's voluntary recall demonstrates proactive safety measures, as these actions are company-initiated rather than FDA-mandated.

Typically, a recall is initiated by the FDA when there is evidence that products distributed to consumers pose a risk to public health and safety. In contrast, a voluntary recall happens when manufacturers and distributors take the initiative to remove products from the market due to potential safety concerns, even if no legal violation has been confirmed.

According to the company's statement to Newsweek, "The affected product was fully recovered prior to reaching the retail market. As a result, no product was sold to consumers, and there was no risk to public health."

Furthermore, Alma Pak International stated that they have implemented enhanced safety protocols following the listeria detection, including intensified environmental monitoring and additional testing procedures.

The company's proactive approach included working closely with the FDA, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and independent food safety consultants to investigate the contamination source.

According to their statement, "All subsequent samples collected during this enhanced monitoring process tested negative for Listeria monocytogenes." They also shared that they were committed to upholding the highest level of food safety and maintaining their customers' trust.

Listeria remains a serious concern for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. The infection can cause symptoms ranging from fever and muscle aches to severe complications like meningitis.

The listeria bacteria poses particular risks because of its ability to survive and multiply in refrigerated environments, making it especially dangerous in cold-stored foods. According to the Mayo Clinic, listeria can contaminate various food types, with soft cheeses and deli meats being common sources due to extended cold storage periods.

Meanwhile, Mellace Family Brands California, Inc. issued a separate recall for Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils containing an undeclared milk allergen. The Warren, Ohio-based company distributed the affected chocolate products across nine states, including Washington D.C., New York, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

The recalled chocolate comes in 18.5-ounce plastic tubs with UPC 0 77890 49787 6. Six lot codes are affected, with expiration dates ranging from December 2025 to April 2026: lots 55021, 55031, 55491, 55501, 56061, and 56071.

The contamination occurred due to a temporary malfunction in the supplier's manufacturing process, which allowed the presence of milk allergens to go unlabelled on the packaging. For individuals with milk allergies, consuming these products could trigger reactions ranging from mild digestive upset to severe anaphylaxis, which can be fatal without prompt treatment.

According to Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, an allergist who spoke to Newsweek, "If you look at the incidence of anaphylaxis, it has skyrocketed in the last five, 10, 20 years. And in the U.S., there's like a 300 to 400 percent increase in the rates of anaphylaxis to foods."

Customers who purchased the affected chocolate should return the products to their place of purchase for full refunds. Wegmans customer service is available at 1-855-934-3663 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST. The company says that no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall.