Full Breakdown
Expanded Recall of Frozen Organic Berries at Walmart and Trader Joe’s
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Recall Expansion in Early October 2026
In early October 2026 the Chile-based supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. announced an expansion of its recall of frozen organic berries sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand and Trader Joe’s private-label mix. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bulletin links the newly added lots to the same Escherichia coli O145:H28 strain that triggered the original July 2026 recall. The expanded recall covers additional lot codes of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (UPC 7874211226), Great Value Organic Blueberries (UPC 7874211213) and one lot of Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend (UPC 00977654).
Background & Context
The first recall was issued on July 3 2026 after traceback connected frozen GreenWise-brand blueberries sold at Publix to an outbreak in Florida and Georgia. A subsequent expansion on July 29 2026 added GreenWise mixed berries. The outbreak, investigated by the CDC, resulted in 17 confirmed infections and six hospitalizations but no deaths. The CDC closed the investigation on September 21 2026. The current expansion follows the same precautionary approach, citing new lot information that ties the products to the original contaminated blueberries.
Data & Statistics
- Affected products:
- Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, 10-oz, UPC 7874211226, lot codes 603101 and 604101, best-by January 31 2028 and February 10 2028.
- Great Value Organic Blueberries, 10-oz, UPC 7874211213, lot codes 601901, 604001, 616301, best-by January 19 2028, February 9 2028, June 12 2028.
- Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend, 12-oz, UPC 00977654, lot code 605101, best-before February 20 2028.
- Distribution: Great Value products were shipped to Walmart stores in 30 states and Puerto Rico; Trader Joe’s product reached 26 states and the District of Columbia.
- Health impact: The E. coli O145 strain produces Shiga toxin, causing severe stomach cramps, vomiting and potentially bloody diarrhea. While most healthy individuals recover within a week, the CDC notes heightened risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) for young children, older adults and immunocompromised persons.
Official Statements & Responses
- The **U.S. The agency advises consumers to discard the products or return them for a full refund and to seek medical care if symptoms appear.
- Walmart confirmed that it has blocked sales of the affected items at its registers and online platforms and is working with the supplier to remove remaining stock.
- Trader Joe’s issued a statement emphasizing that no illnesses have been reported from the newly recalled lots and that the recall is conducted “in an abundance of caution.”
- Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. said it is cooperating with regulatory authorities and provided a consumer-contact line (Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com; 336-899-5612) for questions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This recall is being conducted in an abundance of caution,” — Trader Joe's
The recall underscores the importance of checking freezer inventories for the specific UPCs, lot codes and best-by dates listed above. Consumers who possess any of the identified products should not consume them, should clean any surfaces the berries touched, and may obtain a full refund from the point of purchase.