Frozen Blueberries Recalled Across 8 States Linked to 12 Reported Illnesses

In a significant move concerning food safety, frozen blueberries sold under the GreenWise brand at Publix have been recalled due to potential E. coli contamination. This decision follows reports of 12 confirmed cases of stomach illness linked to these products, prompting action by the retailer and its supplier.

The specific item involved in the recall is the 10-ounce packages of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries, marked with a best-by date of 9 February 2028 and a lot code of 60401. Consumers are urged to examine their freezers carefully as this product, identified by its Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) 4141506453, has been distributed across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

In a statement released on 3 July, Publix advised customers who purchased the blueberries before 3 July 2026 to either dispose of the product or return it for a full refund. They emphasised the importance of ensuring that any affected items are not kept for consumption, urging swift action to prevent any health risks.

The recall is the result of reports indicating a connection between the consumption of these frozen blueberries and the aforementioned E. coli infections, which were documented between 11 May 2026 and 5 June 2026. Reports received by the manufacturer, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. from Chile, highlighted that consumers who had fallen ill had eaten the blueberries prior to their diagnosis.

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. is cooperating with relevant regulatory agencies in response to this incident. The company has taken precautions, instructing its distributors to isolate the contaminated products and refrain from distributing them further, as well as ensuring that downstream customers are notified of the recall.

“Food safety is a primary concern for our company,” said Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. in their release. They have stated their commitment to protecting consumers while conducting a thorough investigation into the origin of the contamination. As the situation develops, further information is expected to be communicated to the public.

The specific strain of E. coli linked to the contamination is E. coli O145, known for producing Shiga toxins. Infection with this bacterium can present with severe symptoms such as intense stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting. More critically, it can lead to complications like haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that particularly affects vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. HUS can result in severe health issues, including kidney failure, due to the damage to blood vessels caused by the bacteria.

For consumers seeking further assistance, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. provided an email address and a phone number for inquiries related to the recall. However, both Publix and the manufacturer have yet to respond directly to media requests for further comment on the situation.

This case is not isolated; earlier this year, nearly 60,000 pounds of frozen blueberries were subject to a recall due to risks associated with Listeria contamination. That incident involved frozen blueberries manufactured by Oregon Potato Company LLC, classifying the recall as a Class I by the FDA—a designation indicating a significant risk of serious health consequences or even death resulting from consumption.

Consumers are strongly advised to stay alert to recalls and safety announcements surrounding food products in order to protect their health and well-being. Regular checks of food items in home freezers, especially products bought from large retailers, can help mitigate potential risks posed by contaminated food.