July 19, 2022 -- BrandStorm Inc. is voluntarily recalling frozen blueberries because of the “presence or potential presence” of too much lead, the company said in a statement shared by the Food and Drug Administration.
Natierra Nature All Foods Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries originated in Lithuania and were sold in the U.S. in retail stores and online, BrandStorm said in a statement posted online by the FDA.
The recall is for two batches of Natierra Freeze-Dried Blueberries with the following codes and “best by” dates:
No one should eat the berries. Refunds are available at point of purchase.
Brandstorm said in a statement, "The concern was identified upon testing conducted by a lab in Maryland An investigation was conducted by the packing site. The original heavy metal reports received for the crop year showed no presence of lead and-or cause for batch testing.”
The company added that "as an immediate action, the packing site is actively working to enhance food safety system by implementing mandatory batch testing for heavy metal."
The company said it has received no complaints about the recalled berries.
The FDA says lead in the environment may be "naturally occurring," but is often present due to "past industrial uses that contributed to environmental contamination," ABC News reported.
The statement says high levels of lead poisoning can damage the central nervous system and internal organs. People can have it without showing symptoms, but those include abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urine.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says lead poisoning is especially dangerous for kids.
Customers with questions may call 310-559-0259, 8am – 4:30pm PST, email [email protected] . See Natierra’s website for more information about the recall.
Food and Drug Administration: “URGENT: Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Natierra Organic Freeze- Dried Blueberry (lot # 2021363-1 & 2022026-1) Due to levels of Lead”
ABC News: “Nationwide recall issued for organic freeze-dried blueberries over possible lead presence”
CDC: “Health Problems Caused by Lead”
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