Publix Expands Recall of Frozen Blueberries Due to E. coli Contamination

The supermarket chain Publix has expanded its recall of GreenWise branded frozen blueberries and fruit blends across all available batches. This decision follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) classification of the recall as Class I, indicating the highest risk level, due to potential contamination with E. coli O145:H28 bacteria.

Originally limited to a specific batch, the recall now includes four different product presentations distributed in Publix stores across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Affected products include:

• 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

On August 18, the FDA upgraded the recall to Class I, signifying a reasonable probability that consumption of the product could lead to severe health consequences or even death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that this multistate outbreak, linked to these blueberries, has resulted in 12 confirmed cases and four hospitalizations across two states, with no fatalities reported so far.

Investigation Reveals Source of Contamination

The gastrointestinal illnesses were recorded between May 11 and June 5. An epidemiological investigation traced the contamination back to the Chilean company Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., based in San Carlos, Chile, which supplies the blueberries.

This company initiated a voluntary recall on July 3, initially limited to batch 60401 of the 10 oz bags with an expiration date of February 9, 2028.

Understanding the E. coli O145:H28 Strain

The identified strain, E. coli O145:H28, is part of the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) group, known to be among the most hazardous pathogenic E. coli strains. In addition to common symptoms like severe stomach cramps, diarrhea potentially with blood, and vomiting, this strain can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can cause acute kidney failure.

Symptoms typically appear three to four days after exposure, and most patients recover within five to seven days without specific treatment.

Consumer Safety and Product Recall Advice

Given the product’s expiration date in 2028, authorities warn that it might remain in home freezers for months without consumers being aware of the risk.

The FDA and Publix strongly advise against consuming any affected products: they should be discarded or returned to any Publix store for a full refund, with no receipt required.

Customers with questions can contact Publix’s customer service at (800) 242-1227, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The initial alert regarding the contaminated GreenWise blueberries was issued in early July when the recall was still confined to a single batch. The expansion to all batches and subsequent high-risk classification by the FDA significantly increases the urgency of the warning for consumers.

This is not the first recall involving Publix in recent months. In May, the chain was part of a recall of potato chips due to potential salmonella, and at the end of 2025, it participated in a massive recall of over 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese due to the risk of metal fragments in 31 states and Puerto Rico.