A recall initially limited to one lot of frozen blueberries sold at Publix now covers every lot of several GreenWise frozen berry products.
Publix is recalling GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries in 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages because they may be contaminated with E. coli O145, as posted by the Food and Drug Administration on July 30.
The action substantially widens a July 3 recall that covered only one lot of 10-ounce frozen blueberries.
The expanded recall covers both 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages, substantially widening an earlier action that involved only one lot of 10-ounce frozen blueberries.
The products were shipped to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Publix said it stopped selling its frozen GreenWise organic blueberries and mixed berries at the end of June, and the products remain unavailable in stores.
However, their long frozen shelf life means customers may still have them stored at home.
The recalled products include:
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10 ounces, UPC 41415-06453
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48 ounces, UPC 41415-12053
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10 ounces, UPC 41415-06753
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48 ounces, UPC 41415-12153
Customers should not eat the berries and should either discard them or return them to Publix for a full refund.
Publix recall widens beyond the original blueberry lot
The expanded action follows a July 3 recall initiated by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a fruit supplier based in San Carlos, Chile.
That recall covered only 10-ounce bags of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries bearing lot code 60401 and a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028.
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At the time, the supplier said no other lot codes or best-by dates were affected.
The recall was issued after 12 confirmed E. coli illnesses were reported among consumers between May 11 and June 5.
Federal investigators have since raised concerns about at least one additional blueberry lot that was used in other GreenWise frozen products.
The FDA said it reached that conclusion after remotely inspecting the Chilean supplier and reviewing records related to its operating procedures and contamination controls.
Publix subsequently expanded the recall to all lots of the affected blueberries and mixed berries as a precaution.
The FDA also added products from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur to an import alert.
That means frozen blueberries from the company may be detained when offered for entry into the United States, without physical examination.
The agency said it also has concerns about some of the supplier’s products that have not entered the U.S. market.
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Four people hospitalized in E. coli outbreak
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating 12 illnesses linked to the outbreak strain of E. coli O145:H28.
Four people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.
Illnesses have been identified in Florida and Georgia, although the recalled berries were distributed across eight states.
Seven of the nine patients interviewed by investigators said they had eaten frozen blueberries.
Five specifically reported eating GreenWise organic frozen blueberries purchased at Publix.
The case count has not increased since the FDA’s initial July 6 outbreak announcement.
The most recent known illness began on June 5, although health officials said the investigation remains active and additional products could be added to the warning.
E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and vomiting.
Most people recover within five to seven days, but some patients can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening form of kidney failure.
Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of serious complications.
Consumers should also wash and sanitize containers, utensils, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled berries.
