Alma Pak of Alma, Georgia is recalling some lots of products containing frozen blackberries because they may be contaminated with norovirus. FDA testing of the blackberries was positive for the virus. The FDA initiated a berry testing program earlier this year.
The recalled products are 16 ounce packages of Great Value Frozen Blackberries sold at Walmart. The UPC number on the product is 078742-431017. The lot numbers and associated expiration dates are AP1555 and 1/25/2021; AP1640 and 3/07/2021; and AP1655 and 4/08/2021. The berries were distributed from 1/31/2019 through 5/31/2019 in these states: Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Also recalled are 12 ounce packages of Tipton Grove Frozen Mixed Berries, sold at Save-A-Lot stores. The lot number of the recalled product is AP 1700, and the expiration dates are 4/22/2021, 4/23/2021, and 4/24/2021. The berries were sold in Florida, North Carolina, New York, Tennessee, and Wisconsin from 5/5/2019 through 5/15/2019. You can see pictures of the frozen berries at the FDA web site.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall. Retailers have removed the product from store shelves, but consumers may still have them in their home freezers. Please check your freezer carefully to see if you have either of these recalled items.
If you purchased either of these frozen blackberries products, do not eat them. Throw them away in a sealed container, or take them back to the store where you purchased them for a full refund.
The symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with feed, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Most people recover within a few days without medical intervention, but some can become dehydrated and need medical attention.
