Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a grower based in Chile, has issued a recall for its GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries after 12 individuals became ill with a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. The recall was initiated after laboratory tests returned a presumptive positive result for E.coli O145:H28, a virulent strain of the bacteria known to cause bloody diarrhea and more severe symptoms.
The affected blueberries were sold in 10-ounce beige bags and were available at Publix stores across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. According to Publix, the berries were on shelves between May 11 and June 5, 2026, and have a best-before date of February 9, 2028. Consumers are advised to discard any recalled blueberries or return them to the store for a full refund.
Publix also recommended that consumers discard other foods that may have come into contact with the contaminated product and clean affected areas of the freezer. To date, no deaths or hospitalizations have been reported in connection with this outbreak.
The E.coli strain O145:H28 carries a higher risk of leading to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney complication that can be lifelong. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to severe illness. Symptoms of HUS include easy bruising, decreased urine output, and pallor. In severe cases, a kidney transplant may be required.
The lot code for the recalled blueberries is 60401, which is typically found on the product's packaging barcode. The contamination source remains unclear, though E.coli can be introduced if produce is treated with water contaminated by animal feces. While E.coli bacteria do not grow below 45.5 degrees Fahrenheit (7.5 degrees Celsius), they can survive freezing temperatures and reactivate when thawed.
E.coli infection, caused by Shiga toxin-producing bacteria, typically manifests two to eight days after exposure. Common symptoms include stomach cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea, with most individuals recovering within a week. The grower initiated the recall after receiving reports of gastrointestinal illnesses. The company is cooperating with health agencies, though the FDA and CDC have not yet issued a public statement regarding the recall. No further details on the affected individuals have been released.