Publix has expanded a voluntary recall of its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (frozen) after public health officials linked the products to a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O145. The recall now covers all lots sold across eight states and follows an earlier, narrower recall tied to a single supplier lot.
What’s being recalled
The expanded recall applies to GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries sold in 10-ounce and 48-ounce frozen packages. Published product identifiers include:
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries — 10 oz (UPC 41415-06453) and 48 oz (UPC 41415-12053)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries — 10 oz (UPC 41415-06753) and 48 oz (UPC 41415-12153)
According to Publix, the products were distributed to stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The company implemented an internal stop-sale at the end of June and has removed the products from shelves.
Why the recall was expanded
Public health officials conducted traceback and epidemiological investigations that linked illnesses to the frozen fruit products. The initial recall announced by the supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., involved a single lot; Publix expanded that recall to all GreenWise Organic lots “out of an abundance of caution” based on information gathered during the ongoing investigation.
Health risks and symptoms
The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin–producing strain (STEC). Infection can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody) and vomiting. While most healthy people recover within about a week, some infections progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can cause kidney failure, particularly in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
What consumers should do
- Do not eat the recalled products. If you have the product at home, throw it away or return it to any Publix store for a full refund.
- Contact Publix Customer Care at (800) 242-1227 (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday) for additional questions.
- If you or a family member develop symptoms consistent with E. coli infection after consuming frozen berries, contact a healthcare provider and tell them about the possible exposure. Seek emergency care for signs of severe illness (high fever, decreased urination, difficulty breathing, or severe abdominal pain).
Context and analysis
Foodborne outbreaks linked to frozen berries have occurred periodically worldwide. The ability of enteric pathogens like STEC to survive freezing and then cause illness after thawing or partially consuming frozen fruit makes timely traceback and voluntary retailer action critical. Publix’s decision to expand the recall beyond the supplier’s single-lot announcement reflects the precautionary approach retailers increasingly adopt when epidemiological signals suggest broader exposure.
For consumers, this recall underscores two practical steps to reduce risk: (1) follow recall notices and remove suspect products from the home, and (2) thoroughly heat or cook thawed frozen fruit when using it in preparations that will not be heated (though many people consume thawed berries raw in smoothies or toppings, which would not eliminate bacterial contamination).
For industry and regulators, the incident highlights ongoing challenges with international suppliers and the importance of rapid laboratory subtyping, integrated surveillance and data sharing across jurisdictions to narrow traceback and limit further exposures.
Where to find official information
- Publix customer and press resources: https://www.publix.com/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — E. coli & Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC): https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/index.html
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
- News coverage of the recall (example): https://www.foxbusiness.com/
Bottom line
Consumers who purchased GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries or mixed berries from Publix in the eight affected states should check packaging for the UPC numbers above and either discard the products or return them for a refund. Anyone with symptoms consistent with E. coli infection after consuming these products should seek medical attention. Public health agencies and retailers continue to investigate to limit further illnesses and identify any additional affected lots.
Sources:
- Publix recall and customer contact information: Publix.
- CDC information on E. coli and STEC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- FDA recall guidance and safety notices: U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
- Initial news reporting on the expanded recall: Fox Business (coverage of the Publix recall).
