A voluntary recall of GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and whole mixed berries has been elevated to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) highest-risk classification due to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened 12 people and led to four hospitalizations. The FDA designated the recall as Class I, indicating a serious health risk.

No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak, but the investigation is ongoing. The illnesses occurred between May 11 and June 5 in Florida and Georgia, according to the FDA. The recalled products were distributed to Publix stores across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The recall was initially initiated on July 3 by Chile-based Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. after a test flagged a presumptive positive for E. coli in a single lot of frozen GreenWise organic blueberries. Three weeks later, the recall expanded to include all lots of GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold by Publix. The grocery chain had also implemented an internal stop-sale of these products in late June.

The contamination is suspected to be E. coli O145:H28, a strain that can produce Shiga toxins. These toxins can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening form of kidney failure, particularly affecting young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

FDA investigators reported that seven of nine individuals interviewed had consumed frozen blueberries before falling ill, with five specifically identifying GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries purchased from Publix. The agency has not provided further details on those affected.

Symptoms of E. coli infection typically appear between several days to nine days after consuming contaminated food. Warning signs of HUS include easy bruising, decreased urination, and a pale appearance, which can progress to kidney failure requiring a transplant in severe instances.

The FDA strongly advises consumers not to eat, sell, or serve the recalled berries. Consumers are urged to check their freezers for the affected products, identified by specific UPC codes and lot numbers for a single 10-ounce lot from the initial recall, but all lots of the mentioned GreenWise products from Publix for the subsequent recall. The recalled items are:

  • GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce — UPC 41415-06453
  • GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce — UPC 41415-12053
  • GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce — UPC 41415-06753
  • GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce — UPC 41415-12153

Consumers should either discard the recalled berries or return them to the place of purchase. If the berries have been transferred to other containers and their identity cannot be confirmed, they should also be discarded. The FDA also recommends thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the recalled products to prevent cross-contamination.

Individuals who have consumed the recalled berries and develop symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention immediately. The source of the contamination remains under investigation by the FDA and its state partners.