FDA Assigns Highest Risk Level to Frozen Berry Recall Over Possible E. Coli Contamination

Publix recalled all lots of its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries in July.

Published: 8/20/2026, 1:49:04 PM EDT

FDA Assigns Highest Risk Level to Frozen Berry Recall Over Possible E. Coli Contamination — Publix recalled GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries due to potential E. coli contamination. (Courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified a recall of Publix-brand frozen blueberries and mixed berries at its highest risk level due to possible E. coli contamination.

The supermarket chain, which is located across the Southeast, initially pulled all lots of its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries on July 29 after the company's Chile-based supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., recalled a batch of the blueberries earlier that month.

On Tuesday, the FDA classified the recall as Class I, indicating there is a "reasonable probability" that consuming the berries "will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."

Publix said it expanded the recall "out of an abundance of caution" in light of public health officials’ product traceback and epidemiological findings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently investigating an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to the frozen berries in Florida and Georgia. A dozen cases have been identified, four of which resulted in hospitalizations.

No deaths have been reported to date. However, the agency said the actual number of people sickened is likely much higher than the number reported and that illnesses linked to the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known infections.

E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria that can cause infections in the gut and urinary tract, among other parts of the body. It is typically spread through contaminated food or water, as well as through contaminated surfaces or improper food handling. Symptoms may include diarrhea, stomach pains or cramps, low fever, and loss of appetite.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people recover from E. coli infections without treatment, though some cases require antibiotics. In rare cases, severe infections can be fatal.

Publix's recall extends to four products that feature an expiration date prior to Feb. 9, 2028, including 10-ounce bags of Organic Whole Blueberries (UPC 41415-06453), 48-ounce bags of Organic Whole Blueberries (UPC 41415-12053), 10-ounce bags of Organic Whole Mixed Berries (UPC 41415-06753), and 48-ounce bags of Organic Whole Mixed Berries (UPC 41415-12153).

The affected berries were shipped to Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Publix said that as of the end of June 2026, it had stopped selling the frozen blueberries and mixed berries, which remain unavailable for sale.

The company urged any customers who have purchased the recalled products not to consume them, noting that they should be discarded or returned to Publix for a full refund.