The berries, shipped to stores in eight states, have been recalled
One lot of Publix’s organic GreenWise frozen blueberries has been recalled.
By Trisha Calvo
GreenWise organic frozen blueberries, produced by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. in San Carlos, Chile, have been linked to an outbreak of illnesses caused by the bacteria E. coli O145:H28, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The blueberries were sold in 10-ounce packages at Publix stores in eight states and have been recalled.
Only one lot of the frozen blueberries has been recalled: Lot 60401, with a best-if-used-by date of February 9, 2028. However, Publix is advising consumers to discard any GreenWise frozen blueberries purchased on or before July 3, 2026, or to return them for a refund.
The blueberries were sold in Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Frutas y Hortalizas S.A. initiated the recall after receiving reports of “digestive illnesses” in people who had eaten the GreenWise blueberries. To date, 12 illnesses caused by E. coli O145:H28 have been confirmed, and 4 people have been hospitalized.
“Food safety remains a top priority for Frutas y Hortalizas S.A,” the company said in its recall notice. The company also said that it is investigating the source of the bacteria and will provide additional information when it is available.
Publix did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
If you have questions about this recall, you can contact Frutas y Hortalizas S.A. at Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or 336-899-5612 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
The Risks of E. Coli
E. coli O145:H28 is a variant of the bacteria that produces Shiga toxin. This toxin can harm the intestines, often causing painful, bloody diarrhea and, in 5 to 10 percent of cases, potentially fatal kidney damage, says James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety at Consumer Reports.
The intestinal symptoms can start three to five days after exposure and begin to improve after about a week. But it’s at this stage that signs of kidney damage may occur. Symptoms of kidney damage include decreased urination, extreme fatigue, and paleness in the cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. Seek immediate medical care if you experience these symptoms. Staying hydrated can lessen the chance of kidney damage.
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