E. coli Recall Affects Frozen Blueberries Across Eight States
Health authorities have recalled GreenWise-brand frozen organic blueberries sold at Publix stores after an outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 infections. Between May and early June 2026, twelve people in Florida and Georgia fell ill, with four hospitalizations reported and no deaths. The contaminated product came from a Chilean supplier and was distributed to stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The specific lot, marked 60401 with a best-by date of February 9, 2028, has been recalled. Consumers should check their freezers and discard affected products or return them to Publix for full refunds. E. coli O145 can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and in serious cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome—a potentially life-threatening kidney condition.
Key facts
- 12 confirmed cases of E. coli O145:H28 infection linked to frozen blueberries, with 4 hospitalizations and 0 deaths
- Outbreak illnesses occurred between May 11 and June 5, 2026 in Florida and Georgia
- Affected product: GreenWise organic frozen blueberries, lot code 60401, best-by February 9, 2028, sold at Publix stores
- Recall issued July 3, 2026 by Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.
- Product distributed to 8 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
- E. coli O145 can cause severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and hemolytic uremic syndrome in 5-10% of severe cases
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Progressive advocates focus on strengthening FDA authority and food safety oversight, emphasizing that voluntary recalls can be delayed and ineffective. They stress the need for mandatory recall power, mandatory traceability systems, and real-time transparency from regulators to prevent avoidable illnesses, particularly in vulnerable populations like children.
Limits of this briefing
Some food safety advocates have raised concerns about delayed public communication from FDA and CDC, noting that the company initially provided case counts that were not independently verified by federal agencies through official outbreak documentation.
Sources
- FDA: Outbreak Investigation of E. coli: Frozen Blueberries (July 2026) Centre
- CDC: E. coli Outbreak Linked to Frozen Blueberries Centre
- TODAY (NBC): Frozen Blueberries Recalled at Publix Due to E. Coli Risk Centre
- Food Safety News: Frozen blueberries recalled, linked to E. coli outbreak Left
- Marler Blog (Food Safety Law Firm): Twelve Sick, One Recall, and No Word From Public Health Left