The grocery chain recalled all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold at stores in 8 states
Credit: GreenWise / FDA.gov
Publix recalled all lots of its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries on July 29 after public health officials linked the frozen fruit products to a multistate E. coli O145 outbreak, expanding an earlier recall that had covered only a single lot.
The recalled products were shipped to Publix retail stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Publix said it halted sales of the frozen GreenWise berries internally at the end of June, and the items have not been available for purchase since. Customers who still have the products at home are advised to discard them or bring them back to any Publix location for a complete refund.
Four frozen berry products are covered by the expanded recall: GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries in 10-ounce packages (UPC 41415-06453) and 48-ounce packages (UPC 41415-12053), and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries in 10-ounce packages (UPC 41415-06753) and 48-ounce packages (UPC 41415-12153).
The berries are supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile. The FDA conducted a remote inspection of the firm and found concerns about at least one additional lot of blueberries beyond the one originally recalled, which prompted Publix to broaden the recall to all lots, according to the FDA. The agency has also added the Chilean supplier to Import Alert 99-35, meaning frozen blueberries from the firm may be detained at the U.S. border without physical examination.
The pathogen involved, Escherichia coli O145:H28, belongs to the Shiga toxin-producing family of E. coli bacteria and is associated with symptoms including intense abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea that may contain blood, Publix said. While the illness is typically self-limiting in otherwise healthy individuals, a subset of cases — especially among young children, elderly people, and immunocompromised individuals — can develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition affecting the kidneys.
Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. recalled a single lot of 10-ounce GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028, on July 3. At that time, 12 confirmed cases of E. coli O145 illness had been reported from two states — Florida and Georgia — with four hospitalizations and no deaths. Illnesses were reported between May 11 and June 5, 2026.
The CDC and FDA, along with state and local public health partners, have indicated that their investigation into the outbreak is continuing. Customers with questions can contact Publix Customer Care at 800-242-1227, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Join 500,000+ readers who start their day with Quartz.
By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
