The FDA upgraded a recall of frozen berries sold at Publix to its highest risk classification over possible E. coli contamination.
Depending on what brand of frozen berries you buy, you might have to rethink your breakfast smoothies and summer baked goods for the time being. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just upgraded an existing recall of frozen blueberries and mixed berries to a Class I recall. This is the FDA’s most serious risk classification.
The berries were previously recalled over possible E. coli contamination, but the Class I designation means the FDA now considers there to be a reasonable probability that using or being exposed to the affected products could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Here’s what to know about the affected frozen berries and what to do if you have them at home.
What caused the recall?
The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to organic frozen blueberries from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. in San Carlos, Chile. As of the FDA’s latest update, 12 illnesses and four hospitalizations have been reported in connection with the outbreak. No deaths have been reported, and the investigation is still ongoing.
What stores sold the recalled frozen blueberries?
The affected GreenWise frozen berry products were sold exclusively at Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Publix pulled all affected products at the end of June, and they are no longer available for purchase. However, since this is a frozen product, it’s imperative that you check your freezer to see if you still have any of the recalled berries.
How do I know if I have recalled frozen blueberries?
Check your freezer for these four GreenWise products:
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce bag, UPC 41415-06453
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce bag, UPC 41415-12053
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce bag, UPC 41415-06753
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce bag, UPC 41415-12153
An earlier version of the recall involved one specific lot of the 10-ounce GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, but the recall was later expanded to include all lots of these four products. Images of the products can be found on the FDA website.
What should I do next?
If you have any of the recalled berries, do not eat them. The FDA advises consumers to throw the products away or return them to the store where they were purchased for a refund.
If you’ve removed the berries from their original packaging and aren’t sure whether they are part of the recall, the FDA recommends throwing them away. Any recipes that you’ve made and then frozen (like make-ahead muffins or pancakes) should also be discarded. Clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that came into contact with the recalled berries.
If you have eaten recalled berries and feel ill, seek medical attention. Symptoms of an E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting.
