Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions, LLC announced a voluntary recall on July 30, 2025 of their Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack (15‑count boxes, UPC 1 93968 50900 2) due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination discovered during routine internal testing. Products were sold exclusively at Sam’s Club locations across 43 states including Puerto Rico, with distribution dates ranging from July 1 through July 25, 2025.
What Is Listeria and Why It Matters
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium capable of causing serious infections, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Infection may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe illness in infants. Healthy individuals may only experience temporary symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. No confirmed illnesses have been reported as of late July 2025.
Products Affected
The recall covers freeze‑dried fruit variety packs in 15‑count boxes bearing lot codes 25175 through 25206 with use‑by dates extending from 06/24/2027 to 07/25/2027. Items were packaged in foil pouches and shipped in corrugated boxes. Distribution reached Sam’s Club retail stores in states from Alabama to Wyoming, as well as Puerto Rico, via multiple distribution centers.
How the Contamination Was Discovered
Internal quality assurance testing identified the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in finished product samples. Upon confirmation, the company immediately initiated the recall in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who have a recalled Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack should not consume it. They may either discard it safely or return it to any Sam’s Club location for a full refund. Packaging photos, lot ranges, and UPC codes are available on the FDA website and in press reports to aid identification.
Anyone with questions can contact Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions, LLC’s customer service at 770‑387‑0451 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST). Medical advice should be sought if an individual develops symptoms after consuming the product, especially if they are in a high‑risk group.
Why Listeria Contamination Is Serious
Listeria can survive and grow at refrigeration temperatures, making ready-to-eat or low‑moisture foods—including freeze‑dried items—potentially risky if contamination occurs. Even one contaminated pouch may pose significant health threats if left unrecognized. Risks are amplified for pregnant individuals and immunocompromised consumers, making recalls like this particularly important for public safety.
Industry and Public Health Response
This recall highlights the importance of robust internal testing in the food production industry. It also underscores the need for traceability and rapid consumer communication when contamination is suspected. Public health agencies such as FDA and Sam’s Club are coordinating distribution of recall notices to affected stores and consumers to minimize exposure.
In the broader context, this incident underscores that even foods perceived as shelf‑stable or low‑risk may be susceptible to contamination. Freeze‑dried fruit is often consumed without further treatment, meaning that any pathogen present has direct access to the consumer.
Broader Lessons for Consumers
Food safety education remains critical. Consumers should:
- Always check recall notices for UPC codes and lot numbers.
- Follow return or disposal instructions promptly.
- Perform kitchen cleanup if the product has been stored near other foods or utensils, since Listeria can contaminate surfaces and other items.
- Recognize symptoms of infection and seek medical attention immediately if concerned.
Final Note
Doehler’s recall of the Member’s Mark freeze‑dried fruit variety pack serves as a reminder that food safety requires vigilance at every stage, from manufacturing to consumption. Even seemingly convenient, long‑shelf‑life products can harbor dangerous pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes. Continued commitment to robust testing, transparent communication, and prompt action remains essential to protect public health.
Consumers who have these products should act quickly. Removing them from circulation now helps prevent illness and maintains trust in brand safety. From farmers to factory workers, and from regulators to shoppers, every step in the food chain must uphold high standards to keep food safe.
