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Key Points
- Publix is warning customers about a recall of one lot of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries.
- The affected 10-ounce bags have lot code 60401 and an expiration date of February 9, 2028.
- Twelve illnesses reported between May 11 and June 5 were linked to the strain of E. coli identified in the recall.
Frozen fruit has a long history of disappearing into the back of the freezer, meaning Publix shoppers may want to double-check any bags they already have at home.
The new recall covers 10-ounce bags of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberry from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur SA. The affected packages were distributed to Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Only one production batch is included and customers should look for batch code 60401 and an expiration date of February 9, 2028. Publix is also advising customers to return or throw away spoiled GreenWise frozen blueberries purchased no later than July 3, 2026. They also emphasize that no other lot numbers or expiration dates are included in the recall.
The company initiated the recall after learning of reports of “digestive illnesses” among people who ate the blueberries in question. There have now been twelve confirmed cases of E. coli O145 between May 11 and June 5.
Publix
A review on the Publix website states that “coli O145 is a Shiga toxin producing toxin. coli (STEC), which can cause illness characterized by severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting. Although most healthy people recover within a week, some infections can lead to a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), especially in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.”
Because frozen blueberries are so easy to store for smoothies, baked goods and quick summer desserts, damaged bags can still be hidden in shoppers’ homes. Naturally, this means that anyone who has a bag matching the recalled lot should not eat the berries and should either throw them away or bring them back to the place of purchase and receive a full refund.
The supplier advised businesses that received the product to remove it from inventory and cease further distribution while it works with regulators and retail partners.
“Food safety remains a top priority for Frutas y Hortalizas SA,” the notice said, adding that the company is investigating the source of the discovery and will share more information as soon as it becomes available.