How to Choose and Wash Berries Safely? What You Should Know After the Latest Recall

• Berries: How to choose the firmest and cleanest ones
• Wash with water or vinegar
• Check contamination alerts

Berries — like blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries — are delicious, nutritious, and very popular in desserts, smoothies, or simply enjoyed fresh.

However, their delicate surfaces and the fact that they’re eaten raw make them especially vulnerable to contamination.

That’s why learning how to choose, wash, and store them properly not only improves their taste and freshness but also protects your health and that of your family.

Keep Your Health Safe When Eating Berries

1. Choose firm berries without mold

When buying blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries, check that they’re firm, free of white mold spots, and without soft or bruised areas.

Avoid containers with juice pooled at the bottom, as this indicates crushed or spoiled fruit.

Choosing carefully at the store is the first barrier against foodborne illnesses.

2. Read the label and check the origin

Don’t ignore the packaging.

Check the country or region of origin and any lot numbers.

These details help you identify if your purchase is affected in case of a recall due to contamination. Even though it may seem minor, it can save you from bigger problems.

3. The latest blueberry recall: a key reminder

On July 1, the U.S. FDA declared a Class I recall for 12,000 pounds of organic blueberries from Alma Pak International (Atlanta, Georgia) after listeria was found during routine testing.

A Class I recall means a serious risk of severe adverse health effects or even death.

The affected lots were shipped to a customer in North Carolina, but this incident serves as a warning for all berry consumers: stay alert to official notices and handle these fruits carefully.

4. Why do all berries need special attention?

Berries are small, delicate fruits with textured surfaces where bacteria, dirt, and pesticide residues can stick.

Moreover, they’re often eaten raw. Without cooking to kill microbes, home hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

5. What is listeria, and what are its risks?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium transmitted through contaminated food and causes listeriosis.

It mainly affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns. Symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Muscle aches.
• Headache.
• Stiff neck.
• Confusion and seizures.

During pregnancy, it can lead to miscarriage or severe infection in the baby.

Although it’s treatable with antibiotics, preventing ingestion is the best strategy.

6. How to wash berries effectively at home

Wash berries right before eating them.

Place them in a colander and rinse under a stream of cold water, gently moving them around with your hands to reach all surfaces.

Many people also add a splash of white vinegar or dissolve a bit of baking soda in the water to help remove dirt and some microbial load.

If you use these homemade solutions, rinse the berries again thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue before consuming them.

You can also find pre-made fruit wash solutions for sale on sites like Amazon.

You may also like: Bread Recall Alert Due to Undeclared Allergen at Kroger and Walmart

7. Dry them well and store them properly

After washing, dry berries with clean paper towels to reduce moisture, which can encourage mold growth.

Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

If you bought a large quantity, freeze them: spread them out on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to freezer bags or containers.

8. Prefer local and seasonal fruit

Choose local and seasonal berries, as they are usually fresher and more flavorful.

They also reduce transportation and storage time, limiting the risk of contamination.

Buying local also supports your region’s economy.

9. Stay informed about berries recalls and alerts

Lastly, here’s an evergreen tip: regularly check official sites like the FDA or local health authorities for updates on recalls and food safety alerts.

Staying informed allows you to act quickly and protect your family’s health from threats like listeria.

At the end of the day, caring for food safety is a habit worth cultivating.

With simple steps like checking origins, staying alert to recalls, and washing berries thoroughly — with water, or even with a splash of vinegar or baking soda — you can enjoy their flavor and benefits without worry.

Remember, prevention starts at home!

How do you usually wash your berries at home?

SOURCE: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) / USA TODAY