A to remind of frozen blueberries has been upgraded to the FDA‘s highest alert level about possible fatal bacterial contamination.
Last month, Chile-based Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur SA issued a recall for its GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries after tests returned a presumptive positive result for E.colia type of bacteria that causes bloody diarrhea.
Publix later expanded the recall and collected all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold in eight states: Alabama, FloridaGeorgia, Kentucky, North CarolinaSouth Carolina, Tennessee And Virginia.
The FDA said in late June 2026 that Publix had internally implemented a stop sale of the berries.
Now the agency has classified the recall as Class I, which means “a situation in which there is a reasonable likelihood that use of or exposure to an violative product will cause serious adverse health effects or death.”
As of July 30, the FDA reported 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, including four hospitalizations. No deaths have been recorded.
Publix said it recalled the products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O145, which produces dangerous Shiga toxins that damage the intestinal lining and lead to severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
A recall of frozen blueberries has been upgraded to the FDA’s most serious warning due to potentially deadly bacteria
Although most people recover from E. coli on their own within a week, children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems may be more susceptible to a life-threatening kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure.
The illnesses started between May 11 and June 5, according to the FDA, and the agency’s investigation is still ongoing.
The FDA states that seven out of nine people interviewed reported eating the frozen blueberries. Of those, five specified GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries from Publix.
No other details have been reported about the sick.
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries was sold in 10 oz and 48 oz bags with UPCs 41415-06453 and 41415-12053, respectively. GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries was also sold in 10 oz and 48 oz bags with UPCs 41415-06753 and 41415-12153.
E. coli usually comes from undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw produce such as apples, cucumbers, and Brussels sprouts.
About 75,000 to 90,000 Americans are exposed to E. coli each year, and about 100 die each year. However, the number of cases is vastly underestimated because most people recover without complications and are not tested for the bacteria.
It is unclear how the recalled fruits became contaminated, but this can happen if they are treated with water containing animal feces.
E. coli bacteria stop growing at temperatures below 7.5 degrees Celsius, but can survive when frozen and can withstand temperatures below -80 degrees Celsius.
Once back in a warm environment, the bacteria reactivate and begin to grow, potentially causing an infection.
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Above is a 10 oz bag of recalled GreenWise Whole Mixed Berries
Above is a 10 oz bag of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, which has been recalled due to suspected E. coli contamination
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People typically become ill from E. coli between two and eight days after exposure.
Most patients experience bloody diarrhea and vomiting, as well as stomach cramps, but recover within a week. In more severe cases, some develop HUS, a form of kidney failure most common in children under five, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms include easy bruising, decreased urination and a pale appearance. In severe or life-threatening cases, a kidney transplant may be necessary.
“FDA and state partners are actively working to determine the source of contamination,” the FDA said.
