BrandStorm Inc. has voluntary recalled two Natierra Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries 1.2oz pouch products because they may contain lead.
The company announced the voluntary recall via the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on July 14, saying that the products may contain lead above the FDA’s recommended limits.
“First and foremost, we remain focused on the health and welfare of our employees, customers, and partners,” Brandstorm Inc. said in a release. “We are committed to taking the appropriate steps to ensure our network and services continue to operate seamlessly for our customers.”
The company has not yet received reports of adverse events related to their products but initiated the voluntary recall out of caution.
The affected products are distributed throughout the United States via retail and online stores and can be identified by their lot numbers (2021363-1 and 2022026-1) and by their best-by dates (12/2024 and 01/2025).
It is sold in a white and blue pouch with the Natierra brand and logo. The company said its product can be identified by checking the product name, manufacturer details, and lot number on the bottom right of the pouch.
- Lot 2021363-1, Best By Date: 12/2024
- 1 serving, 1.2oz (34g), UPC 812907011160
- Lot 2022026-1, Best By Date: 01/2025
- 1 serving, 1.2oz (34g), UPC 812907011160
Lead Poisoning
Lead is a toxic substance that most people are exposed to on a daily basis by inhaling dust, eating food, and drinking water, the CDC said. But high levels of lead in the blood is harmful.High levels of lead in the blood may cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs even though people may show no symptoms.
The symptoms of acute lead poisoning include abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output.
Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, risking permanent damage to the central nervous system if exposed for periods of time that include weeks to months. The CDC said this can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems.
US Farmers Complain About Imported Blueberries
After a lab in Maryland identified the concern about BrandStorm Inc.’s products, an investigation was conducted by the packing site, which found that the original heavy metal reports for the crop year showed no presence of lead or cause for batch testing.But further investigation found that the product’s country of origin is Lithuania and that aggressive monitoring for heavy metals may be deemed necessary, the CDC said. Mandatory batch testing is being implemented at the packing site as a safety measure.
The United States is the largest producer of blueberries, which are native to North America. They’ve become increasingly popular given their status as a so-called superfood.
U.S. farmers have complained about blueberry imports, saying they have been under threat from foreign exporters targeting the U.S. blueberry market. But a powerful U.S. trade agency disagreed.
Blueberry imports to America have surged in recent years due to low import pricing. ProducePay.com reported its analysis of official U.S. government data, finding that American imports of blueberries grew from around 137,700 tons in 2017 to over 214,000 tons in 2020—a 55.6 percent increase in only four years.
American farmers complained that this was hurting their profits.
The American Blueberry Growers Association website says thousands of workers have been laid off and “scores of blueberry growers have gone out of business” due to blueberry prices being at their lowest point in years.
However, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), in response to a complaint by Florida and Georgia farmers, ruled in 2021 that blueberry imports are not causing serious injury to domestic producers, Reuters reported.
ITC “determined that fresh, chilled, or frozen blueberries are not being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury, or threat of serious injury, to the domestic industry,” the agency said.
