FOOD

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified a recent blueberry recall as the highest risk for potential listeria contamination.

On July 1, the FDA issued a Class I grade for a recall of 12,000 pounds of organic blueberries produced by Alma Pak International in Atlanta, Georgia. The recall was initiated on June 9 after routine testing of the facility found positive results of listeria.

A Class I recall is a “situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” the FDA website states.

The recalled blueberries were shipped to one customer in North Carolina, according to the FDA.

USA TODAY was unable to reach Alma Pak International for comment.

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What products are listed in the recall?

The recalled products have the following lot codes: 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096.

What is listeria? What are the symptoms of a listeria infection?

Listeria is a foodborne bacterial illness, that can cause listeriosis, which primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.

Common symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

In pregnant woman, listeriosis can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In older adults and people with weakened immune systems, infections can sometimes be fatal.

People at higher risk of infection who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care.

Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].