Full Breakdown
FDA upgrades Publix frozen berry recall to highest-risk Class I after E. coli outbreak
8/21/2026, 8:49:42 PM
Core Event: Recall elevated to Class I
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has re-classified the recall of GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix stores as a Class I recall, the agency’s most serious level. A Class I designation indicates a “reasonable probability” that use or exposure to the product could cause serious health consequences or death. The upgrade follows a multistate outbreak linked to the berries and a remote inspection of the Chilean packer that raised concerns about additional lots.
Background & Context
Publix first announced a limited recall on June 25 of a single lot of 10-ounce frozen blueberries after the supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile, issued a recall on July 3. On July 29, Publix expanded the action to all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries in both 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages, citing “product traceback and epidemiological information.” The FDA’s August assessment prompted the Class I upgrade.
Data & Statistics
- Illnesses: CDC reports 12 confirmed infections in two states—11 in Florida and one in Georgia.
- Hospitalizations: Four patients have been hospitalized; no deaths reported.
- Products recalled:
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10 oz (UPC 41415-06453)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48 oz (UPC 41415-12053)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10 oz (UPC 41415-06753)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48 oz (UPC 41415-12153)
- Distribution: Shipped to Publix stores in AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN and VA.
- Expiration: All recalled units bear dates before February 2028.
Official Statements & Responses
- Publix: “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.” The retailer advises consumers to discard the products or return them for a full refund and has stopped selling the items.
- FDA: Consumers should not eat, sell or serve the recalled berries and should thoroughly clean any surfaces that may have contacted them. An import alert has been placed on frozen blueberries from the Chilean supplier, allowing shipments to be detained without physical examination.
- CDC: Symptoms can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting and fever; complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome may occur, especially in young children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals.
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
What’s Next
The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the source of the contamination. The import alert remains in effect, and the agency may detain additional shipments from the Chilean packer pending corrective actions. Consumers who discover the recalled items are urged to follow disposal or return instructions and to seek medical care if symptoms develop.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source provides a definitive cause beyond the suspected E. coli O145:H28 strain, and the precise point of contamination within the supply chain remains under investigation.
