FDA Elevates Blueberry Recall to Highest Warning Over Potential Deadly Bacteria

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded a voluntary recall of frozen blueberries to its most serious warning level, citing a "reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." The recall involves GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries produced by Chile-based Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur SA, after initial testing showed a presumptive positive result for E. coli.

Publix, a grocery chain, expanded the recall to include all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The company conducted an internal stop sale of the affected berries at the end of June 2026.

As of July 30, the FDA reported 12 illnesses linked to the recalled product, with four individuals requiring hospitalization. No deaths have been recorded. The recalled products may be contaminated with E. coli O145, a strain that can produce dangerous Shiga toxins. These toxins can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

While most individuals recover from E. coli infections within a week, certain populations, including children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems, are at higher risk for developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening kidney complication that can lead to kidney failure.

The illnesses reported to the FDA began between May 11 and June 5. An ongoing investigation by the agency indicates that seven of nine interviewed individuals who became sick reported consuming the frozen blueberries. Five of those specifically identified GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries from Publix.

GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries were sold in 10oz and 48oz bags with UPCs 41415-06453 and 41415-12053, respectively. GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries were also available in 10oz and 48oz bags with UPCs 41415-06753 and 41415-12153.

E. coli contamination typically originates from sources such as undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw produce like sprouts or apples. While the exact method of contamination for these blueberries is unclear, it can occur if the fruit is washed with water containing animal feces. E. coli bacteria can survive freezing temperatures and reactivate when warmed, potentially causing infection. The FDA and state partners are continuing their work to pinpoint the source of the contamination. Nationwide, an estimated 75,000 to 90,000 people are exposed to E. coli annually, with around 100 deaths reported each year, though these figures are likely undercounted.