Publix Expands Frozen Berry Recall After E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 12

Food safety remains a top priority for consumers, and the latest recall involving Publix GreenWise frozen berries has raised fresh concerns across several U.S. states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a previous recall to include all GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries after an investigation linked the products to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened 12 people.

The recall affects multiple package sizes and products distributed across eight states. Health officials are urging customers to immediately check their freezers, discard any affected products, or return them to the store for a refund.

In this article, we explain why the recall was expanded, which products are affected, the health risks associated with E. coli infection, and what consumers should do if they have purchased these frozen berries.

FDA Expands Publix Frozen Berry Recall

The FDA announced that Publix has voluntarily expanded its frozen berry recall after investigators identified additional concerns during an ongoing food safety investigation. Initially, the recall involved only one lot of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries. However, new findings prompted officials to broaden the recall to include every GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries product in both 10-ounce and 48-ounce packaging.

The agency believes the expanded recall is necessary to protect consumers while investigators continue determining the exact source of contamination.

Health officials recommend that anyone who purchased these products should not consume them under any circumstances.

Recalled GreenWise Frozen Berry Products

The expanded recall includes the following GreenWise frozen berry products:

• GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce package, UPC 41415-06453
• GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce package, UPC 41415-12053
• GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce package, UPC 41415-06753
• GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce package, UPC 41415-12153

These products were sold at Publix stores in:

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

Consumers are encouraged to inspect their freezers carefully. If the original packaging has been removed and there is no way to identify the berries, the FDA advises throwing them away as a precaution.

E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 12 People

According to federal health officials, 12 confirmed illnesses have been linked to the outbreak. Reported cases occurred in Florida and Georgia, with illness onset dates ranging from May 11 through June 5.

Four people required hospitalization due to the severity of their infections. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported at the time of writing.

The FDA stated that interviews with affected individuals consistently pointed toward GreenWise organic frozen blueberries sold at Publix as the primary food consumed before illness.

The investigation remains active, and additional cases could still be identified.

Source of the Contamination

Investigators traced the frozen blueberries to Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a supplier located in San Carlos, Chile.

Following a review of company records and food safety procedures, the FDA identified concerns involving more than one shipment of blueberries supplied to Publix.

Because of these findings, the agency expanded the recall beyond the original lot and warned that additional products connected to the supplier could be added if new evidence emerges.

The FDA also noted concerns regarding other products from the same supplier that have not entered the U.S. market.

FDA Places Supplier Under Import Alert

As part of its response, the FDA placed frozen blueberries and blueberry-containing berry mixes from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. on Import Alert 99-35.

This action allows federal inspectors to detain covered shipments entering the United States without conducting routine physical inspections.

Import alerts are used when regulators believe imported food products may violate U.S. safety standards, helping prevent potentially contaminated products from reaching consumers.

Understanding E. Coli O145:H28

The outbreak involves a dangerous strain known as E. coli O145:H28.

Although many strains of E. coli are harmless, this particular type can cause serious foodborne illness.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Bloody diarrhea in some cases
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

Symptoms generally appear several days after consuming contaminated food.

While many healthy adults recover within about a week, certain individuals face a higher risk of serious complications.

Serious Health Risks

One of the most severe complications associated with E. coli infection is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can cause kidney failure.

Those at greatest risk include:

• Young children
• Older adults
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Anyone experiencing severe symptoms after eating recalled frozen berries should seek medical attention immediately.

Prompt medical evaluation is especially important if bloody diarrhea, dehydration, or reduced urination develops.

What Consumers Should Do

The FDA recommends taking the following steps if you have purchased GreenWise frozen berries:

• Stop eating the recalled products immediately.
• Throw the berries away or return them to the store for a refund.
• Clean and sanitize any containers, utensils, or surfaces that came into contact with the berries.
• Monitor for symptoms of E. coli infection.
• Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop after consuming the recalled products.

Even if the berries appear normal, freezing does not eliminate harmful bacteria, making disposal the safest option.

Earlier Recall Expanded

Publix originally recalled only one lot of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries on July 3.

That initial recall covered:

• Lot code: 60401
• Printed as: 6 040 01
• Best-by date: February 9, 2028

Following additional investigation, regulators determined that contamination concerns could extend beyond that single lot, leading to the broader recall announced on July 29 and supported by the FDA on July 30.

Ongoing Investigation

Federal, state, and local health agencies continue working together to determine how contamination occurred.

Investigators are reviewing production records, supply chain information, and testing data to identify the precise source of the outbreak.

The FDA has indicated that more products could be added to the recall if additional evidence links them to the contamination.

Consumers should continue checking FDA recall updates and Publix announcements for the latest information.

Final Thoughts

The expanded Publix frozen berry recall highlights the importance of food safety monitoring and rapid public health responses. While only 12 illnesses have been confirmed so far, the FDA is taking precautionary measures by recalling all affected GreenWise frozen berry products and restricting future imports from the identified supplier.

If you purchased GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries or Whole Mixed Berries from Publix, check your freezer immediately. Do not consume any recalled products, even if they look or smell normal. Following FDA guidance can help reduce the risk of serious illness and protect your household from foodborne infection.

Sources

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outbreak advisory and recall announcement.
• Publix recall announcement and customer safety notice.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) food safety guidance.
• Information provided in the source article by Kelly McBride Ni, published by NTD Television on July 31, 2026.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or legal advice. Recall information and public health guidance may change as investigations continue. Always refer to official FDA, CDC, and Publix announcements for the latest updates. If you believe you have become ill after consuming a recalled product, consult a qualified healthcare professional immediately.