FLORIDA – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration upgraded the recall of GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix to a Class I recall — the agency’s most serious designation — saying there is a reasonable probability the products could cause serious health consequences.
Publix on July 29 recalled all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries in 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags after public health officials traced illnesses to frozen organic blueberries packed by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., of San Carlos, Chile. The FDA said a remote assessment of the Chilean packer raised concerns about additional lots, prompting Publix’s broader action.
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The recalled products include:
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce (UPC 41415-06453) and 48-ounce (UPC 41415-12053)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce (UPC 41415-06753) and 48-ounce (UPC 41415-12153)
The FDA and CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 linked to the berries. The CDC has reported 12 illnesses and four hospitalizations in two states; no deaths have been reported. Symptoms of E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), vomiting and fever; serious complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome can occur, particularly in young children and older adults.
The FDA and Publix said the recalled products were shipped to stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Consumers should not eat, sell or serve the products; the FDA advised discarding them or returning them to Publix for a refund and thoroughly cleaning any surfaces that contacted the berries.
Customers with questions may contact Publix Customer Care at (800) 242-1227. Anyone who ate the recalled products and develops symptoms should contact a health care provider.