Full Breakdown
FDA Issues Class I Recall for Publix GreenWise Frozen Berries Over E. coli
8/20/2026, 4:20:02 AM
Core Event: FDA Class I Recall of GreenWise Frozen Blueberries and Mixed Berries
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the recall of four GreenWise frozen-fruit products sold at Publix as a Class I (Tier I) recall, the agency’s highest-risk warning. The recall covers 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (UPCs 41415-06453, 41415-12053, 41415-06753, 41415-12153). The products were distributed to Publix stores in eight states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The FDA linked the items to an outbreak of E. coli O145:H28, a Shiga-toxin-producing strain. As of the agency’s last update, the outbreak has resulted in 12 illnesses (reported in Florida and Georgia) and four hospitalizations; no deaths have been recorded.
Background & Context
The recall chain began on July 3 when the Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. voluntarily recalled a single 10-ounce lot of frozen blueberries after a presumptive positive test for E. coli. Publix had already stopped selling the items by the end of June, following an internal stop-sale that began on June 25.
Data & Statistics
| Product | Size | UPC | Units Recalled |
|---|---|---|---|
| GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries | 10 oz | 41415-06453 | 44,994 |
| GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries | 10 oz | 41415-06753 | 39,520 |
| GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries | 48 oz | 41415-12053 | 37,260 |
| GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries | 48 oz | 41415-12153 | 60,320 |
*Illness timeline*: Cases occurred between May 11 and June 5.
*Geographic spread*: Florida (nine) and Georgia (three).
*Hospitalizations*: Four required inpatient care.
Official Statements & Responses
- Publix instructed customers to discard the products or return them for a full refund and noted that the items are no longer for sale.
- Consumers were asked to check UPC codes and “best-by” dates, sanitize surfaces that contacted the berries, and seek medical care if symptoms develop.
- CDC warned that E. coli infection can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in vulnerable populations, may progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can lead to permanent kidney failure.
Why It Matters
A Class I recall signals the highest level of risk for a food product, indicating that exposure could result in serious illness. Because the recalled items have expiration dates extending into 2028, they may still be present in consumers’ freezers despite being removed from store shelves. Prompt disposal or return reduces the chance of further infections and limits cross-contamination of kitchen surfaces.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Based on the public health officials’ product traceback and epidemiological information, Publix is now taking further action out of an abundance of caution to recall all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries,” — Publix
Consumers are encouraged to contact Publix Customer Care at 800-242-1227 for assistance and to follow FDA guidance on disposal and sanitation.
