Food Safety Alert 2026: GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries and Mixed Berries Recalled Over E. Coli

Check Your Freezer Before Your Next Smoothie

If you have purchased frozen blueberries or mixed berries from Publix recently, do not use them until you have read this. Publix GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries are under an FDA Class I recall — the most serious level of recall — due to possible contamination with E. coli O145:H28, a dangerous Shiga toxin-producing strain.

A Class I recall means the FDA has determined there is a reasonable probability that eating the product could cause serious health consequences or death. This is not a precautionary advisory — it is an active safety emergency.

How Did This Happen?

Here is the timeline of events:

• Late June 2026: Publix removed GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries from shelves after early illness reports.
• July 3, 2026: The Chilean supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., recalled a single specific lot of organic frozen blueberries.
• July 29, 2026: Public health investigators linked more illnesses to the product. Publix expanded the recall to cover every lot of both GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries.
• Mid-August 2026: The FDA upgraded the classification to Class I — its highest-risk designation.

A dozen people in Florida and Georgia have been confirmed ill from this E. coli strain, with several requiring hospitalization. No deaths have been reported so far, but the risk is serious — particularly for vulnerable individuals.

Which Products Are Recalled?

The recall covers all lots of the following products sold at Publix stores:

• GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries — 10 oz — UPC 41415-06453
• GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries — 48 oz — UPC 41415-12053
• GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries — 10 oz — UPC 41415-06753
• GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries — 48 oz — UPC 41415-12153

These products were distributed to Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Even though all lots are included, check the UPC and date information on your bag against the official FDA recall notice, as details may be updated as the investigation continues.

Symptoms of E. Coli O145 Infection

E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain (STEC). Symptoms typically appear 3 to 4 days after exposure and may include:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea, which may be bloody
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low-grade fever

Most healthy adults recover within a week. However, in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, the infection can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) — a life-threatening condition that can cause kidney failure. If you or a family member experience these symptoms after consuming the recalled product, contact a healthcare provider right away.

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Stop eating the product immediately. Do not finish the bag.
2. Check the UPC on your bag against the list above.
3. Throw the product away in a sealed bag, or return it to your local Publix for a full refund — no receipt is required in most cases.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the bag or its contents.
5. Sanitize any blenders, cutting boards, bowls, or surfaces the berries may have touched.
6. Monitor for symptoms over the next week, especially for children, elderly family members, or anyone immunocompromised.

Where to Get the Official Information

Because recalls are updated as investigations continue, always verify the latest details directly from official sources:

• FDA Recalls and Safety Alerts: fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
• CDC E. coli Outbreak Investigations: cdc.gov/ecoli

This article is for informational purposes only, based on publicly reported information from the FDA and CDC. It is not medical advice. Always verify recall details with official sources and consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned about illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to eat GreenWise frozen blueberries right now?
No. If you have GreenWise-branded frozen blueberries or mixed berries from Publix, do not eat them until you have confirmed they are not part of the recall.

What if I already ate some and feel fine?
E. coli symptoms can take several days to appear. Avoid eating any remaining product and watch for stomach cramps, diarrhea, or fever over the next week.

Can I get a refund without a receipt?
Publix has indicated that affected products may be returned for a full refund. Check with your local store for specific policies.

Are fresh GreenWise blueberries also recalled?
No. This recall applies specifically to the frozen GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries listed above.