BrandStorm Inc. is recalling certain Natierra Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberry pouches because of the presence or potential presence of lead above the FDA’s recommended limits.

The concern was identified during testing. An investigation was conducted by the packing site. The original heavy metal reports received for the crop year showed no

Continue Reading Blueberries recalled nationwide over high levels of lead

Our Table Cooperative of Sherwood, OR, is recalling frozen blueberries because testing showed Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The bacteria can easily survive freezing temperatures.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by the company that revealed the product contained Listeria monocytogenes

There is concern that consumers may
Continue Reading Our Table Cooperative recalls frozen blueberries after testing finds Listeria

Cyclospora, Toxoplasma, and Cryptosporidium have been detected in berries sold in Norway.

Researchers said findings show the need for a system to ensure the parasitological safety of fresh berries.

Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries were tested for Echinococcus multilocularis, Toxoplasma gondii, Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium.

Raspberries were the most contaminated followed
Continue Reading Study reveals parasites in berries; scientists say new protection system needed

Researchers led by Jinru Chen, Ph.D., with the University of Georgia, are using an anonymous survey to better understand the current cleaning and sanitation methods used on blueberry harvest containers and machine harvesters. 

Based on the survey results and with the help of a blueberry industry advisory board, the researchers
Continue Reading Researchers use survey to evaluate food safety challenges of blueberry harvesting

Likely as not, there is someone out there who practiced every pandemic precaution only to become infected with Cyclospora in the past month. The small intestine infection usually announces itself with frequent watery and sometimes explosive diarrhea and bowel movements.

In the past month, an additional 402 cases of “domestically
Continue Reading Parasite causes illnesses to spike, but they’ve not been connected to recalls

The increasing prevalence of a foodborne parasite has spurred the FDA to develop an action plan for dealing with Cyclospora contamination, with a special focus on fresh produce.

The Food and Drug Administration unveiled the plan yesterday, July 1, referencing the first known contamination in U.S. produce in 2018, as
Continue Reading FDA tackles prevalence of Cyclospora infections with new action plan

A grocery chain in Canada is recalling Dole brand fresh blueberries because test results have shown contamination with the Cyclospora parasite.

The move by Save-On-Foods LP comes after Dole recalled blueberries nationwide in the United States. Neither the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) nor the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Continue Reading Dole recalls blueberries in Canada because of positive test for parasite

Described as a “purple blow torch” by food safety scientists, cold plasma treatment can kill 99.9 percent of norovirus on blueberries without damaging the delicate fruit, giving a food safety boost to the so-called superfood.

cold plasma blueberry researchBrendan Niemira, a microbiologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Eastern Regional Research Center in
Continue Reading Cold plasma proving to be hottest new food safety treatment