...
By Toby Meyjes
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The recall of blueberry crumble pies due to potential listeria contamination has been assigned the FDA's second-highest risk rating.
Willamette Valley Pie Company of Oregon initiated two recalls of frozen, raw bulk blueberry crumble pies on February 19. On March 10, the FDA classified both events as Class II, the second of three classification levels.
Newsweek reached out to Willamette Valley Pie Company via email for comment.
Read More on U.S.
...
Why It Matters
The FDA defines a Class II recall 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."
According to the FDA, eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can lead to a disease called listeriosis. The less severe form of the disease can lead to mild symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The more severe form of the disease is life-threatening, and "symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that pregnant women, newborns, adults aged over 65 and people with weakened immune systems can be especially at risk. Listeria infection is the third leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States, with an estimated 1,250 people infected every year and 172 deaths.
What To Know
The products listed for recall are:
- Frozen Raw Bulk 8 inch Blueberry Crumble Pie (4 pies/case). Net wt. 24.5oz. UPC 0002251881223.
- Frozen Raw Bulk 9 inch Blueberry Crumble Pie ES (4 pies/case). Net wt. 38oz. UPC 00022518893257
Both products were handmade by Willamette Valley Pie Company and were distributed in Illinois and Oregon, according to the FDA.
The FDA stated that the products were sold frozen in bulk packaging to grocery retailers’ in-store bakeries and were intended to be baked by the retailer prior to being sold to customers. The frozen raw pies themselves were not sold directly to consumers at retail stores.
What People Are Saying
The FDA says on its website: "L. monocytogenes is generally transmitted when food is harvested, processed, prepared, packed, transported, or stored in manufacturing or production environments contaminated with L. monocytogenes. Environments can become contaminated by raw materials, water, soil, and incoming air. Pets can also spread the bacteria in the home if they eat food contaminated with L. monocytogenes."
What Happens Next
Both recalls remain ongoing, and no termination date has been set, according to the FDA.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines