If you read about this recall a few weeks ago, checked your freezer and moved on — that check is now out of date. The important thing about this outbreak is not that it happened; it is that the recall got much bigger.
What Changed
| July 3 | Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur recalls one lot — 10-oz GreenWise organic blueberries, lot 60401 (printed 6 040 01), best by Feb 9, 2028 |
| Since | Publix expands to ALL lots of GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries |
Exact Products — Check the UPC
| Product | Size | UPC |
|---|---|---|
| GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries | 10 oz | 41415-06453 |
| GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries | 48 oz | 41415-12053 |
| GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries | 10 oz | 41415-06753 |
| GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries | 48 oz | 41415-12153 |
Note the mixed berries. The original recall was blueberries only — the expansion added Whole Mixed Berries, a product plenty of people would not have thought to check.
Where It Was Sold
Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The Outbreak Numbers
- Strain: E. coli O145:H28
- Illnesses: 12 · Hospitalisations: 4 · Deaths: 0
- States with reported cases: Florida and Georgia — note this is narrower than the distribution list; a product being sold in your state does not mean illness was reported there.
What To Do
- Do not eat it — and do not wash or cook it as a fix. Freezing does not kill E. coli, and these are products eaten straight from frozen in smoothies.
- Return it to Publix for a refund, or throw it away.
- Clean anything it touched — blender jugs, containers, surfaces.
Symptoms to Watch For
E. coli symptoms usually begin three to four days after exposure: severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea (often bloody) and vomiting. Most people recover within about a week. Seek medical care for diarrhoea lasting more than three days, bloody diarrhoea, a fever above 102°F, vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down, or signs of dehydration — and mention the recall to your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which blueberries are recalled?
GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries — now all lots, in 10-oz and 48-oz sizes.
I checked in early July and mine was fine. Am I safe?
Check again. The original recall covered only lot 60401; it has since expanded to every lot.
Which states?
Sold at Publix in AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA. Illnesses reported in FL and GA.
How many people are sick?
12 illnesses, 4 hospitalisations, no deaths reported.
Can I just cook them?
No. Return or discard them — do not try to make them safe at home.
Outbreak and recall details per the FDA outbreak investigation page, CDC outbreak notice and Publix recall announcements, July 2026. Case counts change as investigations continue — check FDA.gov and CDC.gov for the current figures. General information, not medical advice. Photo: blueberries (Unsplash); illustrative and not the recalled product.
