The FDA has upgraded a frozen blueberry recall to its highest risk classification after linking the berries to a multistate E. Coli outbreak.
The Class I designation, issued July 30, applies to four GreenWise frozen berry products sold at Publix stores across eight states. The FDA defines this classification as “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” The recalled products were shipped to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The outbreak strain, E. Coli O145:H28, has sickened 12 people across Florida and Georgia, with four requiring hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. Illness onset dates ranged from May 11 to June 5. According to CDC data, seven of nine interviewed patients reported eating frozen blueberries, and five specifically identified GreenWise-brand organic frozen blueberries purchased from Publix.
The recall originated on July 3, when Chile-based supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. Recalled a single 10-ounce lot of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028. The company, based in San Carlos, Chile, initiated the action after receiving reports of digestive illnesses connected to its product.
“Food safety remains a top priority for Frutas y Hortalizas S.A,” the company stated in its recall notice, adding that it is investigating the source of the bacteria and will provide additional information when available.
Publix expanded the recall dramatically on July 29 to cover all lots of both GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries. The recalled items include 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages with UPC codes 41415-06453, 41415-12053, 41415-06753, and 41415-12153.
The FDA conducted a remote regulatory assessment of the Chilean supplier and collected records to evaluate its procedures and hazard controls. Based on inspection findings, the agency developed concerns about at least one additional lot of blueberries used in other frozen GreenWise products, prompting the expanded recall. The FDA has also added Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. To Import Alert 99-35, meaning frozen blueberries from the firm offered for U.S. Entry may be detained without physical examination.
Health officials warn that E. Coli O145:H28 symptoms typically begin three to nine days after exposure and include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. While most healthy individuals recover within a week, the infection can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening form of kidney failure particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Publix, which conducted an internal stop-sale of the affected products at the end of June, advises customers to discard or return any recalled berries for a full refund. The company also recommends washing any items and surfaces that may have contacted the berries with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
In the viral moment that sparked federal action, the Florida Department of Health notified CDC partners on July 1 about a cluster of E. Coli O145 illnesses. State investigators quickly identified frozen GreenWise-brand organic blueberries sold at Publix as the leading food item of interest. Publix immediately pulled the products from shelves, and the supplier’s initial recall followed two days later. The case count held steady at 12 confirmed infections, but the epidemiological trail and FDA inspection findings led to the dramatically expanded recall and highest-risk classification.
Customers with questions can contact Publix Customer Care at (800) 242-1227 from 8:30 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, or reach Frutas y Hortalizas S.A. At 336-899-5612 or [email protected].
The FDA and state partners are actively working to determine the source of contamination, and additional products may be added to the advisory as the investigation continues.