The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday upgraded a recall of frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix grocery stores to the highest health risk level, citing potential E. coli contamination.
On July 29, Publix initiated a recall of four varieties of GreenWise organic blueberries and mixed berries sold in eight states after receiving notification of possible contamination. The FDA classified the recall as Class 1, the most severe category, indicating a reasonable probability that exposure to the products could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Immediate Action Required
Consumers who purchased the recalled products should discard them or return them to Publix for a full refund. The affected items include:
- 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)
All recalled products have expiration dates before February 9, 2028, and were shipped to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Health Risks and Reported Cases
The recalled berries may be contaminated with E. coli O145, a strain that can cause severe symptoms including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In rare cases, infection may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition that can result in kidney failure and be life-threatening.
As of July 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 12 illnesses linked to the outbreak, with four hospitalizations in Florida and Georgia. No deaths have been reported. The illnesses occurred between May 11 and June 5, and the FDA’s investigation remains ongoing.
Regulatory Context and Recent Precedents
The FDA’s decision to upgrade the recall to Class 1 follows a similar action last week regarding an egg recall due to potential salmonella contamination. The agency’s classification system includes three tiers:
- Class 1: Highest risk, with potential for serious health consequences or death.
- Class 2: Moderate risk, with temporary or reversible health effects.
- Class 3: Low risk, unlikely to cause adverse health consequences.
What Consumers Should Do
The FDA advises consumers who may have purchased the recalled products to:
- Check their freezers for the affected items.
- Discard or return the products to Publix for a refund.
- Monitor for symptoms of E. coli infection, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.