Publix Expands Frozen Berry Recall Due to E. coli Contamination; Four Hospitalized

Publix has expanded its recall of frozen berries to include all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries due to potential E. coli contamination. The expansion comes after an initial recall and subsequent reports of illnesses, including four hospitalizations, across eight states.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that 12 people have been sickened, with illness onset dates ranging from May 11 to June 5. The affected individuals reside in Florida and Georgia. Of the nine individuals interviewed by the FDA, seven reported consuming the frozen blueberries, and five specifically identified GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries from Publix.

The berries were sold at Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Publix initiated an internal stop sale of the affected berries at the end of June, and the products have been removed from store shelves. Consumers who have purchased the recalled berries are advised not to consume them and to discard them or return them to the store for a full refund.

The initial recall focused on GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries after laboratory tests showed a presumptive positive result for E. coli. The expanded recall is being issued out of an abundance of caution. The affected products include GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries in 10oz bags (UPC 41415-06453) and 48oz bags (UPC 41415-12053), as well as GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries in 10oz bags (UPC 41415-06753) and 48oz bags (UPC 41415-12153).

E. coli infection can cause severe symptoms, including bloody diarrhea and stomach cramps. While most individuals recover within a week, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening kidney complication that can lead to kidney failure. No deaths have been reported in connection with this outbreak.

E. coli bacteria can survive freezing temperatures and become active again when warmed. The FDA and state health partners are investigating to determine the source of the contamination. Approximately 75,000 to 90,000 Americans contract E. coli annually, with around 100 deaths, though these numbers are considered undercounts as many cases go unreported.