Story perspectives

12 Sick After Frozen Blueberries Recall, FDA Warns

7/8/2026

Summary

Publix Recall

Publix and Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. recalled GreenWise IQF frozen blueberries (lot 60401, best-by Feb. 9 2028) after 12 E. coli O145:H28 illnesses.
Twelve people fell ill between May 11 2026 and June 5 2026, with four hospitalizations and no deaths.
The FDA posted a recall notice confirming potential contamination.
Consumers should discard the berries or return them for a full refund while the producer works with regulators to isolate the lot.

Summary

Marler Challenges Recall

Attorney Bill Marler said the FDA and CDC issued no outbreak notice at the recall.
Lawyer Eric Hageman said it is unusual for a company, not a government agency, to report the outbreak.
Schmidt & Clark offers free case reviews and advises preserving documentation, listing potential damages such as pain, lost wages, kidney or neurological problems, and emotional distress.
The FDA investigation remains open with no settlement as of July 6 2026.

Summary

Frutas Recall

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile, launched a recall of frozen blueberries after illness reports.
Publix asked shoppers to inspect their freezers for the 10-ounce GreenWise packages.
The recall notice included a Spanish “Leer en español” option for bilingual customers.
A joint release on July 7, 2026 identified lot code 60401 and a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028, illustrating how a Chilean exporter’s product reaches U.S. stores.

History

Historical Context

The 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, which sickened 732 Americans and killed four, triggered FDA and USDA reforms such as mandatory HACCP testing. Decades later, the 2018 romaine lettuce E. coli incident infected 210 people, showing persistent cross-border supply-chain risks that resurfaced in the 2026 GreenWise blueberry recall by Publix and Chilean exporter Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur, prompting Bill Marler-led litigation.

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Publix Recall

Publix and Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. recalled GreenWise IQF frozen blueberries (lot 60401, best-by Feb. 9 2028) after 12 E. coli O145:H28 illnesses.
Twelve people fell ill between May 11 2026 and June 5 2026, with four hospitalizations and no deaths.
The FDA posted a recall notice confirming potential contamination.
Consumers should discard the berries or return them for a full refund while the producer works with regulators to isolate the lot.

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