Dole Blueberries Have Been Recalled in Four States

Before you start mixing a new batch of muffin batter or tossing together the filling for a blueberry pie, take a peek in your refrigerator. Dole issued a recall of fresh blueberries due to cyclospora contamination on June 24th. In a statement, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that "Dole Diversified North America, Inc. is coordinating closely with regulatory officials."

According to the FDA, cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the cyclospora parasite. "A person may become infected after ingesting contaminated food or water," said the announcement. "Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, body aches, and fatigue. The infection is treated with antibiotics and most people respond quickly to treatment." Fortunately, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) says that individuals with a healthy immune system will recover from an infection caused by the parasite.

Currently, the recall has only been issued in 4 states—Illinois, Maine, New York, and Wisconsin—and 2 Canadian provinces. At this time, Dole is only recalling blueberries with certain UPC and lot codes, which were packed between May 28th and June 9th. The contaminated batches include the following codes, which can be found printed in black ink on the clamshell container:

• 18 oz: 0 71430 01154 6
• Pint: 0 71430 01151 5
• 6 oz: 07143001150 8
• 24 oz: 071430011155 3

If you believe that you may have consumed contaminated blueberries, call your doctor or a medical professional immediately. Retailers and consumers with questions may call the Dole Consumer Center at 1-800-356-3111, which is open 24 hours a day.

Have you ever been affected by a recall? Let us know in the comments.