Summary
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration upgraded a recall of frozen GreenWise organic blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix to a Class I recall — the agency’s highest health-risk category — on August 18. Class I indicates a reasonable probability that use of the affected products could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
What was recalled
Publix initially announced a recall on July 29 after an earlier July 3 recall tied to GreenWise Organic Blueberries from a Chilean supplier. As a precaution, Publix recalled all lots of these four items:
– 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
Customers are advised not to eat these products. You should discard them or return them to Publix for a full refund.
Where the recall applies
The recall covers all Publix stores nationwide; the chain operates about 1,413 stores across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Illnesses reported
As of July 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 12 confirmed E. coli cases linked to the recalled frozen berries and four hospitalizations.
E. coli: symptoms and who’s at higher risk
Symptoms of E. coli infection usually begin about 3–4 days after exposure and most people recover in 5–7 days without treatment. However, some individuals can develop severe complications such as kidney problems that require hospitalization. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness.
Common and severe signs to watch for:
– Diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea)
– Fever higher than 102°F (38.8°C)
– Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days that does not improve
– Vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down
– Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dry mouth or throat, or dizziness upon standing
If you develop any of these severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
How to protect yourself
– Do not eat any recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries or mixed berries.
– If frozen berries have been removed from their original packaging and you cannot confirm whether they were part of the recall, throw them away.
– Wash any containers, surfaces, utensils, or hands that may have come into contact with the affected products using hot, soapy water.
Expert guidance
Robert Glatter, MD, an emergency medicine physician, emphasizes the practical steps: check your freezer, avoid eating the recalled berries, discard or return them, and seek prompt medical care if fever, severe abdominal pain, or bloody stool occurs after consuming the product.
Retailer response
Publix advised customers of the recall and offered refunds. The company could not be immediately reached for additional comment at the time of reporting.
