Publix GreenWise Frozen Blueberries Recall Over E. coli O145:H28 Contamination

Publix supermarkets have voluntarily recalled 10-ounce packages of GreenWise Organic IQF (individually quick-frozen) blueberries after the Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. identified a potential contamination with *Escherichia coli* O145:H28. The recall, announced on July 3 2026, applies only to lot 60401 with a best-by date of February 9 2028 and was distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

RECALL: Organic frozen blueberries sold at Publix locations recalled due to possible E. coli contamination

• May 11 – June 5 2026: Twelve consumers report stomach illness linked to the blueberries.

Frozen GreenWise Blueberries Recalled in E. Coli Outbreak

• July 1 2026: Florida Department of Health notifies the CDC of a cluster of E. coli O145 cases.

Frozen blueberries recalled in U.S. over E. coli risk

• July 3 2026: Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. and Publix issue the recall.

KATU.com

• July 6 2026: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration posts the recall notice and begins an investigation.

Frozen blueberries recalled in U.S. over E. coli risk

• Confirmed cases: 12 (illness onset May 11 – June 5).

Frozen blueberries recalled in U.S. over E. coli risk

• Hospitalizations: 4; deaths: 0.

Asheville Citizen-Times

• Product: GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries, 10 oz, lot 60401, best-by Feb 9 2028, GTIN 4141506453.

ABC Miami Local 10 WPLG

• Distribution: Publix stores in the eight states listed above.

RECALL: Organic frozen blueberries sold at Publix locations recalled due to possible E. coli contamination

Publix advises customers who purchased the affected lot on or before July 3 2026 to discard the product or return it for a full refund and to isolate any remaining packages. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. says it is investigating the source of the presumptive contamination, cooperating with regulators, and has instructed downstream customers to halt distribution. The FDA’s recall notice warns that the strain can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and recommends disposal or return. State health agencies and the CDC are conducting a multistate outbreak investigation.

Publix Organic Blueberry Recall Follows 12 E. coli Illnesses

Food-safety attorney Bill Marler noted that the “12 cases” figure originates from the company rather than a health authority and that no matching outbreak notice from the FDA or CDC was publicly available at the time. Food-law attorney Eric Hageman described the situation as “strange that an outbreak is reported by a company, not a government agency,” urging further official clarification.

Frozen blueberries recalled in U.S. over E. coli risk

Sources differ on whether the FDA or CDC have formally issued an outbreak notice; some reports state the agencies posted the recall after the company’s announcement, while others claim no official outbreak declaration existed. The recall specifies only Publix distribution, yet the FDA warned that the product may have reached other retailers—a detail not confirmed by the supplier.

Frozen blueberries sold at Publix recalled after 12 E. coli illnesses

• “After receiving reports of consumers experiencing digestive illnesses and having consumed GreenWise frozen blueberries as part of their diet, Frutas y Hortalizas S.A. has decided to initiate the recall,” — Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., recall announcement

The Independent

• “Food safety remains a top priority for Frutas y Hortalizas S.A.,” — Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., recall announcement

The Independent

• “The company has instructed all customers receiving the affected lot to immediately isolate the product, discontinue its distribution, and notify any downstream customers who may have received the affected lot,” — Publix press release

NewsNation

• “If you froze a product without the original packaging and can't tell if it's part of the recall, throw it away,” — U.S. Food and Drug Administration website

KTVT - Dallas - Fort Worth News

E. coli O145:H28 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain capable of causing severe cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and hemolytic uremic syndrome—a kidney-failure risk especially for children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals. The long shelf life of frozen fruit means contaminated packages may remain in home freezers for years, extending exposure risk.

Frozen blueberries sold at Publix recalled after 12 E. coli illnesses

The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the source of contamination and potential additional distribution channels. Consumers are urged to monitor for symptoms for up to ten days after exposure and to contact health providers if illness develops. Updates will be posted by federal agencies and Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. as the investigation progresses.

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