Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. Recalls Frozen Blueberries Over Contamination Risk

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a Chilean food company, has initiated a voluntary recall of 10-ounce packages of “GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries” due to potential contamination with L. monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall affects products distributed in the United States and Canada, with the FDA confirming the risk of foodborne illness.

What Products Are Affected?

The affected products include 10-ounce frozen blueberry packages with the code “Best By 04/2025” and batch numbers 214789 and 214790. The recall was announced on April 5, 2024, after the FDA detected L. monocytogenes in a sample from the company’s facility in Chile. “Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve the affected products,” the FDA stated in a press release.

Why Is This Recall Significant?

The recall highlights ongoing concerns about microbial contamination in frozen produce, a category that has seen multiple high-profile incidents in recent years. In 2022, the CDC linked a L. monocytogenes outbreak to frozen berries, resulting in 21 hospitalizations. The FDA’s investigation into Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. found “inadequate sanitation practices” at the facility, according to a regulatory filing released April 4, 2024.

What Should Consumers Do?

Consumers who purchased the affected products are advised to discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. The FDA recommends contacting local health departments if symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, or gastrointestinal distress occur after consumption. “This is a serious health risk, particularly for pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr. Sarah Lin, a public health official with the CDC, in a statement.

Company Response and Next Steps

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. issued a statement on April 5, 2024, acknowledging the issue and emphasizing its commitment to food safety. “We are cooperating fully with regulatory agencies and have implemented additional testing protocols,” the company said. The FDA has not yet determined the scope of the contamination but is conducting a traceback investigation to identify the source of the bacteria.

How to Identify the Affected Products

The recalled blueberries are sold under the “GreenWise Organic” brand in U.S. and Canadian supermarkets, including Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. Consumers can check the packaging for the “Best By 04/2025” date and batch numbers 214789 or 214790. The FDA maintains a searchable database of recalled products on its website.

What This Means for Food Safety Regulations

The incident has reignited debates about U.S. food safety oversight, particularly for imported produce. In 2023, the FDA cited 1,245 violations of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) related to microbial contamination in imported foods. Critics argue that the agency lacks sufficient resources to inspect all facilities, while the industry emphasizes the need for standardized global safety protocols.