Vos Iz NeiasFDA Upgrades Publix Frozen Berry Recall to Highest Risk Level Over E. Coli Concerns
WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) — The Food and Drug Administration has classified a recall of frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix Super Markets as a Class I recall, the agency’s most serious category, according to recent enforcement reports.
A Class I designation means there is a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Publix announced the voluntary recall July 29 of all lots of four GreenWise organic frozen berry products because of potential contamination with Escherichia coli O145:H28. The products were distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The recalled items are:
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06453
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12053
GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06753
GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12153
Consumers should not eat the products. They should discard them or return them to any Publix store for a full refund. The products have best-by dates extending into 2028 and may still be in home freezers.
The recall expands an earlier action by Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. that targeted a single lot of the 10-ounce blueberries. Publix said it halted sales of the GreenWise frozen berries at the end of June, and the items remain unavailable in stores.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 12 confirmed infections with the outbreak strain — 11 in Florida and one in Georgia — with four hospitalizations and no deaths. Illness onsets ranged from mid-May to early June 2026. Epidemiological and traceback data linked the illnesses to the organic frozen blueberries.
E. coli O145:H28 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and vomiting. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face higher risks of serious complications.
The FDA’s investigation remains ongoing. Consumers with questions can contact Publix at 800-242-1227, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.