Publix Berry Recall Widens Amid E. Coli Outbreak That Sickened 12

The expanded recall now covers all GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold in 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages. An earlier recall applied only to one specific lot of 10-ounce frozen blueberries, according to Publix and the FDA.

“Check your freezers for recalled berries and throw them away or return the product to the place of purchase. If you froze a product without the original packaging and can’t tell if it’s part of the recall, throw it away,” the FDA said in its outbreak advisory.

Federal, state, and local health officials are investigating the E. coli O145:H28 infections linked to the organic frozen blueberries. The berries were supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. in San Carlos, Chile. E. coli O145:H28 is a dangerous strain of E. coli.

Twelve people in Florida and Georgia became sick, with the most current data reported between May 11 and June 5.

“Based on interviews with sick people, frozen GreenWise-brand organic blueberries sold at Publix were identified as the leading food item of interest in this outbreak,” said the FDA.

Publix first recalled one lot of 10-ounce GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries on July 3. That recall covered lot code 60401, printed as 6 040 01, with a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028.

The FDA later conducted a remote review of the supplier and collected company records to evaluate its procedures for preventing contamination. The agency said its findings raised concerns about at least one other lot of blueberries used in additional GreenWise frozen products, prompting Publix to expand the recall.

The FDA said it also has “concerns about other products from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. that have not entered the U.S. market.”

The agency said additional products could be added to its advisory as investigators work to determine the source of the contamination.

The FDA also added the Chilean supplier’s frozen blueberries and blueberry-containing berry mixes to Import Alert 99-35 on July 28, allowing federal officials to hold covered shipments at U.S. ports without first physically examining each shipment.

“Frozen blueberries from this firm that are offered for entry into the United States may be detained without physical examination,” said the FDA.

E. coli infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. Some infections can lead to bloody diarrhea or a potentially life-threatening form of kidney failure.

“Consult your health care provider immediately if you ate recalled GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries and have any symptoms that resemble an E. coli infection,” said the FDA.

Publix said that customers with questions or concerns can contact Publix Customer Care at (800) 242-1227.