A recall of Whole Foods' in-house 365 brand of frozen organic blackberries was issued on Thursday, June 22, due to microbial contamination and the risk of Listeria.
Health Canada warns that food products contaminated with Listeria may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness.
Pregnant women, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk of getting sick. And if infected, pregnant women may experience premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.
In severe cases of the illness people may die, says Health Canada.
The 365 Whole Foods Market brand blackberries were sold in B.C. and Ontario but there have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of the product, as of 4:15 p.m. on June 22.
The recall was reportedly triggered by a recall in another country, although Health Canada doesn't name which one. According to the blackberries' packaging, it is a product of Serbia.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products, and is verifying that the industry is removing recalled products from the marketplace.
What should you do
- If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider
- Check to see if you have recalled products
- Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
- Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased
