The Lakeland, Florida-headquartered Publix supermarket chain is recalling all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O145:H28 (E. coli O145), a toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) that can cause illness characterized by severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. While most healthy people recover within a week, some infections may result in a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), particularly in young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Packs subject to the recall were shipped to Publix retail stores in eight US states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina Tennessee and Virginia. As of the end of June chain immediately conducted an internal stop sale of frozen GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries. These products remain unavailable for sale.
A recall of GreenWise Organic Blueberries, 10-ounce, Lot Code 60401 was previously announced on July 3, by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile. Based on the public health officials’ product traceback and epidemiological information, Publix is now taking further action to recall all lots of the berries.
Customers who have purchased the following frozen GreenWise products are asked not to consume them. They should be discarded or returned to Publix for a full refund:
• GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06453
• GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12053
• GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06753
• GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12153
For more information about the ongoing outbreak investigation, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/blueberries-07-26/index.html.
