GreenWise Frozen Blueberry Recall: E. coli Risk, Recalled Products and Safety Advice
The FDA has issued a serious warning over recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries linked to E. coli O145:H28 illnesses. Learn which products are affected and what consumers should do.
A frozen blueberry recall in the United States has become a significant food safety concern after federal health officials linked recalled GreenWise organic frozen berries to an ongoing E. coli investigation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified the recall as Class I, its most serious recall category. The classification is used when exposure to a contaminated product could cause serious health consequences or death.
The investigation involves E. coli O145:H28, a Shiga toxin-producing strain of E. coli that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. According to the FDA, 12 illnesses have been reported in Florida and Georgia, with four people requiring hospital treatment. No deaths have been reported.
Which frozen berries have been recalled?
The recall concerns GreenWise organic frozen whole blueberries and whole mixed berries sold through Publix stores.
The affected products include:
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce bags
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce bags
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce bags
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce bags
The products were distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The FDA says consumers should not eat, sell or serve the recalled products. Anyone who has them at home should discard them or return them to the store for a refund.
The recall was expanded after an earlier recall involving a specific lot of frozen GreenWise organic blueberries. The original product had a 10-ounce package size, lot code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028. The later Publix recall covered all lots of the specified GreenWise organic frozen whole blueberries and whole mixed berries.
Why is E. coli O145 a concern?
E. coli is a group of bacteria that can be found in different environments, including food and water. Some strains are harmless, while others can produce toxins that cause serious illness.
E. coli O145:H28 belongs to the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli group. Infection can cause symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and fever. Some people can develop bloody diarrhoea and more serious complications.
One of the most serious complications is hemolytic uremic syndrome, commonly known as HUS. This condition can damage the kidneys and may become life-threatening.
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can face a higher risk of severe complications from certain E. coli infections. The FDA recommends that people who consumed recalled berries and develop symptoms consistent with E. coli infection contact a healthcare professional.
How many illnesses have been reported?
The FDA's investigation currently lists 12 illnesses, four hospitalisations and zero deaths associated with the outbreak.
The reported illnesses began between May 11 and June 5, 2026. Investigators found that seven of nine interviewed patients said they had eaten frozen blueberries. Five specifically reported eating GreenWise organic frozen blueberries purchased from Publix.
These findings contributed to the decision to expand the recall.
Health authorities are continuing to investigate how the contamination occurred and whether additional products could be affected. The FDA has said that the investigation remains ongoing, meaning consumers should pay attention to future updates.
What should consumers do with recalled berries?
If you have GreenWise frozen blueberries or mixed berries in your freezer, check the product carefully before consuming them.
The FDA advises consumers not to eat recalled products. If the berries have been removed from their original packaging and you cannot determine whether they are part of the recall, the agency recommends throwing them away.
It is also important to clean and sanitise surfaces, containers and other items that may have come into contact with recalled berries. This can help reduce the possibility of cross-contamination.
Do not rely on the fact that the berries have been frozen as proof that they are safe. Freezing can preserve food, but it does not necessarily eliminate harmful bacteria.
What symptoms should people watch for?
Symptoms of an E. coli infection can appear several days after exposure. The FDA says symptoms may include severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever, nausea and vomiting. Some infections can cause bloody diarrhoea and potentially serious complications.
Anyone who develops concerning symptoms after eating a recalled product should seek medical advice. This is particularly important for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Signs associated with serious complications can require urgent medical attention. Consumers should not attempt to diagnose an E. coli infection at home, particularly if symptoms are severe or worsening.
Why food recalls matter
Food recalls are an important part of the food safety system because contamination is not always visible. A product can look, smell and taste normal while still presenting a health risk.
The FDA continues to investigate the frozen blueberry outbreak alongside state and local health authorities. Its current advisory says additional products could be added if investigators identify further risks.
For consumers, the most useful response is to check recall information regularly, follow official instructions and avoid eating products that have been recalled.
The GreenWise frozen blueberry situation also demonstrates why keeping packaging information can be useful. Product names, package sizes, lot codes and best-by dates can help consumers determine whether food in their homes is affected by a recall.
The bottom line
The GreenWise frozen blueberry recall involves organic whole blueberries and whole mixed berries sold at Publix stores across eight U.S. states. The products are being recalled because of potential contamination with E. coli O145:H28, a strain capable of causing serious illness.
The FDA currently reports 12 illnesses and four hospitalisations, with no deaths. The investigation remains active.
Consumers who have recalled berries should not eat them. They should discard the products or return them to the retailer and clean any surfaces or containers that may have been exposed.
For the latest product details and official safety instructions, consumers should rely on updates from the FDA and relevant public health authorities rather than social media posts or unverified reports.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), August 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Publix Recalls All Lots of GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries Due to Potential E. coli Contamination,” 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur SA Initiates Recall of Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries Due to Potential E. coli Contamination,” 2026.
- Daily Mail, published August 19, 2026.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), information on Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Food recall information can change as investigations continue. Always check the latest guidance from the FDA, public health authorities, and the product manufacturer or retailer. If you believe you may have consumed a recalled product and are experiencing symptoms, contact a qualified healthcare professional.