FDA Gives Highest Risk Classification to Publix Frozen Berry Recall Over E. coli Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has assigned its most serious recall classification to a Publix frozen berry recall involving GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries. The products are being recalled because of possible contamination with E. coli O145:H28, a type of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that can cause serious illness.

The FDA's Class I designation means there is a reasonable possibility that exposure to the recalled products could result in serious health consequences or death. The classification does not mean that every package is contaminated, but it signals that consumers should take the recall seriously.

Publix Frozen Berry Recall Expands

The recall began with a July 3 recall by Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. The company recalled a specific lot of GreenWise Organic IQF Frozen Blueberries after concerns about possible E. coli O145:H28 contamination.

On July 29, Publix expanded the action by recalling all lots of its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries. The FDA published the company's recall notice on July 30.

According to the FDA, the recalled products were distributed to Publix stores in eight states:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia

The agency said the products remain unavailable for sale following an internal stop-sale action by Publix.

Which GreenWise Berry Products Are Recalled?

Consumers who have GreenWise frozen berries in their freezers should check the product information carefully.

The recall covers four products:

• 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 says consumers should not eat any of these recalled products. They can either throw the products away or return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund.

The original supplier recall involved a 10-ounce package with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028. The later Publix action is broader and covers all lots of the specified GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries.

E. coli Outbreak Linked to Frozen Blueberries

The recall is connected to an ongoing investigation by the FDA, CDC and state health authorities into an outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 infections.

As of the FDA's latest published information, 12 illnesses had been identified in Florida and Georgia. Four people had been hospitalized, and no deaths had been reported. The FDA continues to investigate the outbreak and has cautioned that illnesses could extend beyond the states where cases have already been identified.

The CDC previously reported that illnesses occurred between May 11 and June 5, 2026. Investigators found that several people reported eating frozen blueberries, with some specifically identifying GreenWise organic frozen blueberries purchased from Publix.

The investigation remains active. FDA records show the frozen blueberry outbreak as an ongoing investigation, with regulators working to identify the source of contamination and determine whether additional products could be involved.

What Are the Symptoms of E. coli Infection?

E. coli infections can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the strain involved and the individual.

For the strain involved in this investigation, the FDA lists symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. Some infections can result in bloody diarrhea and potentially serious complications.

One particularly serious complication associated with certain Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections is hemolytic uremic syndrome, commonly called HUS. This condition can damage the kidneys and may become life-threatening.

Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can be particularly vulnerable to severe complications.

Anyone who believes they consumed a recalled product and develops symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection should contact a healthcare professional promptly. The FDA specifically advises consumers who develop symptoms after eating the recalled berries to seek medical advice.

What Should Consumers Do With Recalled Berries?

The FDA recommends that consumers do not eat, sell or serve the recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries or mixed berries.

If a recalled package is found in the freezer, consumers should discard it or return it to the retailer. People who transferred frozen berries to another container and no longer have the original packaging should also take precautions. The FDA advises throwing away the product if its recall status cannot be determined.

Consumers should also clean and sanitize surfaces, containers and other items that came into contact with recalled berries. This step can help reduce the possibility of cross-contamination.

It is important not to rely solely on appearance, smell or taste when deciding whether recalled food is safe. Food contaminated with harmful bacteria may not show obvious signs of spoilage.

Why the FDA's Class I Label Matters

The FDA uses recall classifications to communicate the potential health risk associated with recalled products. A Class I recall is the agency's highest risk category.

According to the FDA's definition, Class I applies when there is a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to a violative product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

That designation makes this frozen berry recall particularly important for consumers who shop at Publix or who may have stored GreenWise frozen berries at home.

The classification should not be interpreted as confirmation that every package contains E. coli. Instead, it reflects the potential severity of the risk and supports the agency's recommendation that consumers avoid the recalled products.

FDA Investigation Is Still Ongoing

Federal and state officials are continuing to investigate how the contamination occurred. The FDA has conducted a remote regulatory assessment of the Chilean supplier and reviewed records related to its procedures and controls.

The agency has also expressed concerns about other products from the supplier that had not entered the U.S. market. FDA records show that products from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. were placed under an import alert related to potential E. coli contamination.

Because the investigation remains ongoing, consumers should monitor official FDA and CDC updates for changes to the recall or the addition of other products.

Bottom Line for Publix Customers

The key message is straightforward: do not consume recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries or whole mixed berries.

If you have one of the recalled products, check the packaging and follow the FDA's instructions to discard it or return it for a refund. Clean any surfaces or containers that may have touched the berries, and seek medical advice if you develop symptoms associated with an E. coli infection.

The FDA and CDC are continuing to investigate the outbreak, which currently involves 12 reported illnesses and four hospitalizations. Until the investigation is resolved, consumers should rely on official recall notices rather than assumptions about whether a particular package is safe.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Publix
• FDA Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O145:H28 Linked to Frozen Blueberries
• FDA Recall Notice for GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries
• FDA Recall Classification and Definitions
• Cleveland Clinic, E. coli Infection Information

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Recall information and public health guidance may change as the investigation continues. Consumers should check the latest information from the FDA, CDC, and Publix and consult a healthcare professional if they develop symptoms associated with an E. coli infection.