The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I risk warning, its most severe classification, for four GreenWise frozen blueberry products sold at Publix stores. The recall, initially tied to an E. coli outbreak, has now been elevated due to the potential for serious health consequences.

A Class I risk classification signifies "a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the FDA.

The affected products were distributed to Publix locations in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Consumers who have purchased these items are advised not to consume them and to either discard them or return them to Publix for a full refund.

The recalled items include:

  • 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

The initial recall was initiated on July 3 by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. from San Carlos, Chile, for a single 10-ounce lot of frozen blueberries. This recall was expanded on July 29 after the products were linked to a strain of E. coli, specifically E. coli O145. This bacterium can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

While most healthy individuals recover from E. coli infections within a week, complications can arise for vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Some E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can result in permanent kidney failure or even death, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of July 30, the FDA reported 12 illnesses and four hospitalizations in Florida and Georgia linked to this outbreak. No deaths have been reported at this time. The FDA has also noted concerns regarding other products from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., though these have not been released in the United States.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Publix Customer Care at 800-242-1227.