Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news!

Subscribe I am already a subscriber

You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker).

As we provide the news for free, we are relying on revenues from our banners. So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site.
Thanks!

Click here for a guide on disabling your adblocker.

Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news!

Subscribe I am already a subscriber

Major concerns surrounding Albert Heijn blueberry recall

Following Albert Heijn's warning about potentially contaminated frozen blueberries linked to hepatitis A, the consequences for both consumers and the supermarket chain continue to grow. The recall, targeting 1-kilogram bags of blueberries with expiry dates until April 14, 2026, has already affected thousands of customers. People who purchased the berries are not only seeking refunds but are also asking about the health implications of the contamination and whether compensation for additional costs will be provided.

Beyond the purchase price
Albert Heijn is offering customers the chance to return the contaminated bags for a refund. However, for many, the financial impact extends far beyond the purchase price, according to AD. Elise Groene from Barendrecht, who contracted hepatitis A, highlighted the broader costs: "My health insurance deductible was immediately used up, and then there were the costs of medication, parking fees for hospital visits, and lost income from missed workdays." For those who fall ill due to contaminated food, the repercussions can far exceed the cost of the product itself.

Meanwhile, Albert Heijn has faced significant criticism over how it communicated the recall, the newspaper report. Customers expressed frustration at the lack of clear warnings via app or email and criticized the impersonal tone of the messages. Crisis experts noted the absence of empathy and practical information, such as symptoms of hepatitis A. Albert Heijn acknowledged shortcomings in its communication and pledged improvements, stressing that customers were notified via email and other channels, though technical delays affected app alerts.

Compensation: what are consumers' rights?
According to RTL, at least 10 people have reported falling ill after consuming the contaminated blueberries. Lawyer Mark Visser stated that consumers who contracted hepatitis A from the berries could file a compensation claim against Albert Heijn, particularly if they can provide proof of purchase and a medical diagnosis linking their infection to the product. Evidence such as receipts or the berries themselves could support a claim. Visser emphasized that consumers have the right to expect safe food, and Albert Heijn could be held liable for the consequences of this contamination.

Recall extends to Belgium
The contaminated blueberries have also raised alarm in Belgium, where Albert Heijn and the Federal Food Agency (FAVV) have issued a recall, according to De Morgen. While no cases have been reported in Belgium so far, authorities are monitoring for potential infections, as the symptoms of hepatitis A may not appear immediately, depending on individual immunity.

Growing concerns about imported products
This incident has sparked broader concerns about the safety of imported food, particularly frozen products that pass through multiple intermediaries, NU.nl reports. The contaminated blueberries originated from Poland, with contamination likely stemming from internal sources such as an employee or contaminated water. Consumers are increasingly questioning the reliability of food safety monitoring in production chains. "It feels like the food industry, especially with foreign products, is becoming less reliable," one consumer commented. "Thankfully, our immune systems and stomach acid often protect us, but the frequency of such incidents is worrying."

RIVM: No cause for panic, but caution advised
Eelco Franz, lead researcher at RIVM, reassured the public that there is no immediate reason to panic for those who have eaten the affected blueberries. Most people will experience only mild symptoms, if any. Symptoms such as fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and pale stools may indicate a hepatitis A infection. However, Franz advised that individuals with worsening symptoms should contact their doctor and mention the consumption of the berries.

While the risk remains low for most people, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions should remain particularly cautious and follow medical advice closely.

Publication date: