In a concerning update to a recent food safety issue, the recall of frozen berries has been broadened following the hospitalization of four individuals due to severe bacterial infections.
Earlier in the month, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur SA, a company headquartered in Chile, initiated a recall of its GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries. This decision came after testing indicated a potential E. coli contamination, a bacterium known for causing severe gastrointestinal distress, including bloody diarrhea.
The affected product, packaged in 10oz beige bags, was distributed across Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
In response to these concerns, Publix has taken proactive measures by recalling all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold in the aforementioned states. This expanded recall comes as a preventive measure against further E. coli exposure.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), by the end of June 2026, Publix had already enacted an internal stop sale policy for the berries, effectively removing them from retail shelves entirely.
Consumers who have the affected berries at home have been urged not to consume them and throw them out immediately or return them to stores for a full refund.
According to the FDA, 12 people have been sickened and four hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
While most people recover from E. coli on their own within a week, children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems can be more prone to a life-threatening kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure.
A recall of frozen berries has been expanded as four people have been hospitalized
Infected individuals live in Florida and Georgia, and illness onset ranged from May 11 to June 5.
The FDA states seven of the nine individuals who were interviewed reported eating the frozen blueberries. Of those, five specified GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries from Publix.
No other details have been released about those sickened.
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries were sold in 10oz and 48oz bags with UPCs 41415-06453 and 41415-12053, respectively. GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries were also sold in 10oz and 48oz bags with the UPCs 41415-06753 and 41415-12153.
E. coli typically comes from undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy and raw produce like apples, cucumbers and sprouts.
Roughly 75,000 to 90,000 Americans are exposed to E. coli each year and about 100 die annually. However, cases are vastly undercounted because most people recover without complication and do not get tested for the bacteria.
The blueberries in the initial recall were presumptively positive for E. coli O145:H28, a highly virulent strain of the bacteria that is more likely to cause bloody diarrhea and more severe symptoms.
It’s unclear how the fruits became contaminated, but this can happen if they are treated with water that contains animal feces.
Shown above is a 10oz bag of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, which has been recalled over a suspected E. coli contamination
Pictured above is a 10oz bag of recalled GreenWise Whole Mixed Berries
E. coli bacteria stop growing at temperatures below 45.5F (7.5C), but can survive being frozen and are able to withstand temperatures below -112F (-80C).
Once back in a warm environment, the bacteria are re-activated and start to grow – potentially causing an infection.
E. coli typically sickens people between two and eight days after exposure.
Most patients develop bloody diarrhea and vomiting, as well as stomach cramps, but recover within a week. In more severe cases, some develop HUS, a type of kidney failure most common in children under five, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms include easy bruising, decreased urine and a pale appearance. A kidney transplant may be necessary in severe or life-threatening instances.
‘FDA and state partners are actively working to determine the source of contamination,’ the FDA said.