Frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold across eight U.S. states have been recalled after health officials linked the products to reported E. coli O145 infections. The recalled items include GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, which were available at Publix stores.
The recall affects products that may still be stored in consumers’ freezers even after they were removed from store shelves. Health officials are warning customers not to eat the affected berries and to check their packages carefully.
The action follows reports of 12 confirmed E. coli infections connected to consumption of the frozen fruit products. The bacteria can cause digestive illness, with symptoms ranging from stomach cramps to vomiting and diarrhea.
The recalled berries were produced by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a company based in San Carlos, Chile, which initiated the recall after complaints of illness were reported. Publix later removed the affected products from sale as part of its food safety response.
FDA Details The Frozen Berry Recall
The U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA) announced details of the recall after reviewing information connected to the frozen berry products. The agency identified concerns involving possible contamination with Escherichia coli O145, a strain of bacteria that can lead to foodborne illness.
The recalled products were sold exclusively through Publix locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The affected items include all lots of four GreenWise Organic frozen fruit products. Customers can identify the products through the packaging information and UPC codes listed below:
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce bags — UPC 41415-06453
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce bags — UPC 41415-12053
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce bags — UPC 41415-06753
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce bags — UPC 41415-12153
The FDA has also provided package images to help consumers determine whether they have the recalled berries at home.
Publix stated that it completed an internal stop sale of the products at the end of June. The company said the berries are no longer available for purchase, but some customers may still have the recalled bags stored in their freezers.
Credit: FDA
Consumers Urged To Check Freezers And Avoid Eating Recalled Products
Health officials are advising consumers who purchased the recalled berries to avoid eating them. Anyone who finds the affected products should throw them away or return them to a Publix location for a full refund.
The warning applies even if the berries appear normal, as food contaminated with E. coli may not show visible signs of spoilage. Frozen storage also does not eliminate the potential health risk linked to contaminated food.
People who have already eaten the recalled berries should monitor themselves for symptoms of infection. Common signs of an E. coli illness include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Most healthy individuals recover from E. coli infections within about a week, but some groups face a higher risk of serious complications. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can damage the kidneys and become life-threatening.
Consumers experiencing symptoms after eating the recalled products are encouraged to contact a healthcare provider for medical advice.
Credit: FDA
Food Safety Investigation Continues After Illness Reports
The recall represents another example of how food safety monitoring systems respond when illness reports appear across multiple locations. Investigators often examine supply chains, production facilities, and distribution networks to determine how contamination may have occurred.
In this case, the recall began after customer complaints involving digestive illnesses were reported following consumption of the frozen berries. The connection between the products and reported infections prompted further action from the manufacturer, retailers, and federal regulators.
The affected berries were distributed through a major grocery chain serving several southeastern states, increasing the importance of consumer awareness. People who regularly purchase frozen fruit products are encouraged to review recall notices and follow official guidance.
Publix customers with questions about the recalled products can contact Publix Customer Care at (800) 242-1227 for additional information.
The recalled berries remain the focus of safety efforts as officials continue tracking reports linked to the products and advising consumers to take precautions.
