How to Handle a Berries Recall: Step-by-Step Guide

Check If Your Berries Are Affected by the Recall

When a berries recall is announced, FDA and FSIS publish specific details: product name, brand, lot or batch numbers, UPC codes, and sell-by dates. Check the packaging of any berries in your home against the official recall notice on FDA.gov or FSIS.usda.gov—cross-reference the exact lot number and UPC barcode. If you purchased berries from a store, you can also contact the retailer directly with your receipt to confirm whether your purchase is part of the recall. Many retailers have their own notification systems and may proactively reach out to customers. Don't rely on memory; always verify against the official recall details, as recalls often affect only specific production dates or lot numbers, not entire brands.

Safely Dispose of or Return Recalled Berries

If your berries match the recalled product details, do not consume them under any circumstances. For return options: contact the retailer where you purchased them—most will issue a refund or replacement without requiring the product back, especially for food safety recalls. If the retailer won't help, contact the manufacturer directly using information on the package. For safe disposal, place the berries in a sealed bag or container and throw them in your trash—do not compost them, as pathogens like Listeria can survive composting. If berries have contacted other foods or surfaces, wash those areas thoroughly with hot soapy water. Refrigerators should be cleaned with a sanitizing solution if they contained recalled berries, especially for Listeria concerns.

If You've Already Consumed Recalled Berries or Suspect Illness

Symptoms of foodborne illness (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps) typically appear within 1–3 days of consumption, though Listeria can take up to 30 days. If you develop symptoms, seek medical attention and mention the recalled berries to your doctor. Report adverse reactions to FDA's MedWatch system at fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-888-SAFEFOOD, and separately report to your local health department. For Listeria exposure specifically, notify your healthcare provider immediately—high-risk groups (pregnant women, elderly, immunocompromised) may need preventive antibiotics even without symptoms. Keep your receipt and product packaging to share with healthcare providers and health authorities. Reporting helps FDA track outbreak patterns and protects others from the same contamination.

Get real-time food safety alerts—try Panko free for 7 days.

Real-time food safety alerts from 25+ government sources. AI-scored by urgency. Less than one bad meal a month — $4.99/mo.