Frozen Blueberry Pies Recalled in Illinois, Oregon

An Oregon-based food company is recalling thousands of frozen blueberry desserts distributed in two states due to potential contamination with a dangerous pathogen. Willamette Valley Pie Company, LLC, is recalling more than 3,800 frozen raw bulk blueberry crumble pies over concerns they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), a bacterium that can cause the serious illness listeriosis, according to recent company and regulatory announcements. [1]

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the affected products, officials said. The recall was initiated voluntarily by the company. The pies were sold in bulk to grocery stores in Illinois and Oregon and were not sold directly to consumers, meaning they were intended to be baked by retailers before being sold to the public [1].

Details of the Affected Products

The recall involves 182 four-pie cases of 8-inch frozen blueberry crumble pies and 777 four-pie cases of 9-inch frozen blueberry crumble pies [1]. The 8-inch pies have a best-by date of January 19, 2028, while the 9-inch pies have a best-by date of January 13, 2028.

Consumers are advised to check for specific Universal Product Codes (UPC): 0002251881223 for the 8-inch desserts and 00022518893257 for the 9-inch pies.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this action as a Class II recall. The agency defines this as "a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote" [1]. The recall notice does not specify which ingredient in the pies is suspected of being contaminated.

Risks Associated with Listeria Contamination

Listeria infections can initially present with flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, nausea, and headache. However, for vulnerable populations, the illness can be severe and life-threatening.

Pregnant women face risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening complications for their newborns. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems may experience severe neurological effects, such as confusion, seizures, and even death [1].

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeriosis leads to hospitalization in about 90% of reported cases [1]. The pathogen is particularly concerning because, as noted in a science paper analyzing food safety, L. monocytogenes can persist in cold environments and form biofilms that evade standard cleaning protocols, allowing contamination to linger in food processing facilities [2].

Health officials emphasize that consumers cannot identify contamination by sight or smell, underscoring the importance of heeding recall notices [3].

Broader Context of Recent Blueberry Recalls

This recall follows a separate, larger warning issued last month by another Oregon-based company, Oregon Potato Company, concerning over 55,000 pounds of blueberries [4]. That recall, also initiated for potential L. monocytogenes contamination, was later upgraded by the FDA to a Class I recall.

A Class I recall indicates "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" [1].

These incidents are not isolated. A 2025 article noted a product recall for 12,000 pounds of organic blueberries after routine testing found traces of the same bacterium [5]. Industry observers note that such events highlight systemic concerns about food safety oversight within centralized, industrial supply chains.

As one book on food safety argues, the complexity and scale of modern food production and distribution can sometimes make it harder to identify the source of an outbreak and protect consumers [6].

Consumer Guidance and Broader Implications

Consumers who may have purchased the affected pies from a retailer's bakery are advised to check for the specific UPCs and return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. The pies were intended to be baked by retailers before sale, but the recall applies to the frozen, raw product.

These recurring contamination events have sparked discussion among food safety advocates about the vulnerabilities of centralized, long-distance food production and the potential benefits of more localized, transparent sourcing. A book on food systems points to the monopolization of the food supply as creating greater food insecurity rather than safety [7].

For those seeking to minimize such risks, exploring direct relationships with local farmers, home gardening, and transparent supply chains are often cited as strategies for greater food sovereignty and safety.

References

1. Blueberry pies recalled over contamination fears with deadly bacteria. - DailyMail.co.uk. March 11, 2026.
2. Microbiological hazards involved in fresh-cut lettuce processing. - Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.
3. The Risk of Listeria Is High If You Eat These Blueberries, According to the FDA. - TechFixated.com.
4. Life-threatening Listeria risk prompts massive frozen blueberry recall across multiple states. - FoxBusiness.com. February 25, 2026.
5. Product Recall Announced for Organic Blueberries after Routine Testing Finds Listeria. - NaturalNews.com. Olivia Cook. July 17, 2025.
6. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. Roberta Larson Duyff.
7. Food Monopoly Aimed at Controlling Population. - Mercola.com. Dr. Mercola. June 28, 2016.