Are Driscoll Berries Safe to Eat? A Deep Dive into Safety Standards

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Driscoll's, over 2,500 independent third-party audits were performed in one recent year to verify adherence to food safety standards. The question, "Are Driscoll berries safe to eat?" is a common concern for consumers, given the delicate nature of berries and recent food-related headlines. This guide explores the company's safety measures, from farming practices to recalls, to provide a comprehensive answer.

Quick Summary

This article analyzes the safety of Driscoll's berries, detailing the company's food safety programs, use of pesticides, and comprehensive auditing process. It covers proper handling for consumers and addresses common myths and questions.

Key Points

Extensive Auditing: Driscoll's uses independent third-party audits on farms and facilities to ensure adherence to food safety standards, with over 2,500 conducted in a recent 12-month period.
Integrated Pest Management: Farmers use IPM to minimize pesticide use, favoring natural methods while ensuring any synthetic products comply with strict federal and state laws.
Non-GMO Products: All Driscoll's berries, conventional and organic, are non-GMO and developed using traditional breeding processes.
Product Traceability: A barcode-based tracking system allows Driscoll's to quickly trace any product back to its farm and harvest date in case of a recall or quality issue.
Proper Washing is Key: Berries should be washed gently under cool water just before consumption and patted dry to prevent mold and spoilage.
Organic and Conventional Options: Both organic and non-organic berries are deemed safe, with organic options certified by USDA-accredited third-party agencies.
Addressing Recalls: While recalls have occurred (e.g., a 2021 blueberry recall for foreign materials), the company's traceability system allows for efficient management of such events.

Examining Driscoll's Food Safety and Farming Practices

When considering if Driscoll berries are safe to eat, understanding the company's practices is crucial. Driscoll's relies on a network of independent farmers who are contractually obligated to follow strict food safety guidelines, developed over decades of research and collaboration with food safety experts and regulatory agencies.

Driscoll's Global Food Safety Program

Driscoll's has implemented a comprehensive Global Food Safety Program, based on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) established by the FDA. This program includes several layers of oversight:

Regular Audits: Independent, third-party auditors perform audits on farms, cooling facilities, and distribution centers to monitor practices related to soil, water, fertilizer use, pest control, and harvest procedures.
Contractual Adherence: Compliance with the program is a vital part of the relationship with independent farmers. Non-compliance can lead to consequences, including termination of their association with Driscoll's.
Traceability: The company uses a barcode-based tracking system to identify the field and harvest date of its fruit, which allows for quick identification and retrieval of product in the rare event of a quality concern or recall.

Pesticide Use and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

One of the most frequent consumer questions revolves around pesticide use. Driscoll's independent farmers utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a method that employs both natural and synthetic means to manage pests and diseases.

Driscoll's emphasizes minimizing pesticide use and focuses on natural methods, such as using beneficial organisms to control pests.
Any synthetic pesticides used must be in strict compliance with federal and state laws, and regulations from agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The company tests for pesticide residue on its products to ensure they are within legal limits.

Organic and Non-Organic Berries

Driscoll's produces both conventional (non-organic) and organic berries, and explicitly states that both options are safe for consumption. Organic berries are certified by government-approved, third-party agencies, like California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in the US, confirming they meet USDA organic standards. Notably, all Driscoll's berries, conventional and organic, are non-GMO and developed using traditional breeding methods.

Proper Handling and Food Safety Myths

Proper consumer handling is a final, critical step in ensuring berry safety. This includes correct washing and storage techniques. There are also several food safety myths that should be addressed based on verified information.

How to Properly Wash Berries

Wash Just Before Eating: Berries should only be washed right before consumption. Washing them too early and storing them can trap moisture and accelerate spoilage.
Gentle Rinse: Use a colander and gently rinse the berries under cool, running water. For delicate raspberries and blackberries, avoid strong pressure to prevent bruising.
Pat Dry: After rinsing, gently pat the berries dry with a paper towel or clean tea towel to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent mold.

Addressing Common Myths

Some consumers may be concerned by misinformation circulating online. Driscoll's addresses these directly:

Hepatitis A: The company has issued statements refuting false information linking their berries to specific Hepatitis A outbreaks.
GMOs: All Driscoll's berries are non-GMO, a claim the company emphasizes for both its organic and conventional products.
Pesticide Residue: The company adheres to and tests for pesticide limits set by regulatory agencies, noting that low-level pesticide use within legal tolerances is safe.

Comparison: Conventional vs. Organic Driscoll Berries


Feature	Conventional Driscoll Berries	Organic Driscoll Berries
Growing Practices	Utilize an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system, which includes both natural and synthetic pest controls. Adhere to federal and state laws regarding pesticide use.	Utilize natural and biological processes for pest control and soil enrichment. Prohibited from using synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, as per USDA organic standards.
Pesticide Residue	Tested to ensure residue levels are within legal limits set by the FDA and EPA.	Land must be free of chemical inputs for three years prior to certification. Growers are audited to confirm no synthetic pesticides are used.
Certification	No specific third-party certification beyond legal compliance.	Certified organic by USDA-accredited agencies like CCOF.
Cost	Typically less expensive than their organic counterparts.	Generally more expensive due to the more intensive farming practices required for organic certification.
Safety Claim	Considered safe for consumption when handled and washed properly.	Considered safe and grown with minimal synthetic intervention.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Based on Driscoll's published practices and verifiable third-party auditing, consumers can be confident that the company takes extensive measures to ensure food safety. Both conventional and organic Driscoll berries are grown under strict guidelines and oversight. Concerns about pesticides are mitigated by the use of IPM and adherence to federal regulations, with testing to ensure safety. The ultimate safety of the product also depends on proper handling at home, including washing and storage. By following the recommended steps and understanding the company's commitment to safety, consumers can enjoy Driscoll's berries with confidence.

For further reading on the FDA's guidance regarding Good Agricultural Practices, visit the official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Driscoll's independent farmers use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system to minimize pesticide use, prioritizing natural methods. Any synthetic pesticides used are in strict compliance with federal and state regulations, and berries are tested to ensure residue levels are within legal and safe limits.

Driscoll's states that both their organic and conventional berries are safe to consume. Organic berries are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, while conventional berries meet legal safety standards. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference.

No, a vinegar solution is not necessary. For berries you plan to eat immediately, a gentle rinse under cool water is sufficient. A vinegar wash can affect the taste of porous berries like raspberries.

Yes, on rare occasions, recalls have occurred. For example, in 2021, some Driscoll's blueberries were recalled due to the potential presence of foreign materials (metal). The company's tracking system facilitates rapid response to such issues.

Yes, all Driscoll's berries, both organic and conventional, are non-GMO. They are developed using traditional breeding processes.

The white film is called 'bloom' and is a natural protective coating. It helps retain moisture and protect the berry. The presence of bloom is an indicator of freshness.

To extend freshness, only wash the berries right before you eat them. Store them dry and refrigerated in their original packaging, or in a container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.