According to reporting by KGW, federal regulators have issued a Class I recall — the most serious designation used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — for approximately 55,000 pounds of “Individually Quick Frozen” blueberries processed by Oregon‑based Willamette Valley Fruit Company. Class I recalls indicate a reasonable probability that consuming the affected product could cause serious health consequences or death.

Additional details published by Newsweek report that the recall covers 55,689 pounds of bulk frozen blueberries packaged in 30‑pound corrugated cases and 1,400‑pound industrial containers. The blueberries were distributed in multiple states, including Washington and Oregon. According to the FDA’s classification, the risk stems from potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause listeriosis — a severe and sometimes life‑threatening illness, particularly for pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

At the time of publication, no retail‑level distribution has been confirmed beyond the wholesale and industrial channels identified in federal notices. According to the Newsweek report, consumers experiencing symptoms associated with listeriosis, such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or more severe neurological effects, are advised by the FDA to seek medical care promptly.

For residents in Southwest Washington — including Longview, Kelso, and greater Cowlitz County — distribution patterns listed in federal notices mean the affected products may have moved through regional supply chains even if not directly sold to consumers. Local institutions or foodservice operations using bulk frozen fruit may be among the end users of these industrial‑scale blueberry shipments. Community members involved in food handling, procurement, or meal preparation in schools, care facilities, and commercial kitchens should check purchase records against the affected lot information released by federal authorities.

The FDA’s recall guidance remains in effect, and officials emphasize caution until all affected product has been accounted for and removed from circulation.