Frozen Fruit Fury: E. Coli Outbreak Prompts Publix GreenWise Berry Recall Across Eight States

Imagine reaching into your freezer for a handful of healthy, organic berries, perhaps for a smoothie or a morning bowl of yogurt. It’s an innocent, everyday act, isn't it? Unfortunately, for a number of folks across eight states, that simple gesture has led to a frightening encounter with a nasty foe: E. coli. We're talking about GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries, sold at Publix, now at the heart of a multi-state E. coli O145:H28 outbreak.

The alarm bells first rang when Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a Chilean supplier, initiated a recall on specific lots of their GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries back on July 3, 2026. However, as the investigation unfolded and more illnesses emerged, Publix took a significant step. Out of an abundance of caution, they expanded the recall dramatically in late July, pulling all lots of their GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries from shelves. This includes both the 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags. Consumers should especially look out for lot code 60401 (or 6040 01) and GTIN 4141506453 on the 10-ounce bags, though now, really, it’s best to avoid any of these GreenWise organic frozen berry products with a 'best by' date stretching to February 9, 2028.

This isn't just any stomach bug, you see. The pathogen identified is E. coli O145:H28, a particularly nasty Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC. Symptoms are severe and quite frankly, terrifying: think intense stomach cramps, diarrhea that can often turn bloody, and persistent vomiting. What’s truly alarming is the potential for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe form of kidney failure. This complication can be life-threatening, particularly for vulnerable populations like young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. It’s a stark reminder of how serious foodborne illnesses can be.

To date, the outbreak has been linked to 12 confirmed cases of illness, spanning an age range from a tender 2 years old all the way up to 88. Four of these individuals required hospitalization, underscoring the severity. While illnesses were reported between May 11 and June 5, 2026, the investigation began in earnest when the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services alerted the CDC about a cluster of E. coli cases. Most initial illnesses were concentrated in Florida (11 cases) and Georgia (1 case), but the recalled products were distributed across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

As you might expect, federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are deeply involved, working tirelessly alongside state health departments to trace the source and contain the spread. But beyond the public health efforts, there’s also legal action. For instance, a Florida couple, Oscar and Roberta Cash, have filed a lawsuit against Publix. Roberta Cash, tragically, was hospitalized due to the E. coli infection, a vivid example of the personal toll these outbreaks take. Their attorney, Ron Simon, is representing them in this ongoing legal battle.

So, what should you do if you have these products at home? Please, for your own safety and that of your loved ones, check your freezers immediately. If you find any GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries or Whole Mixed Berries, especially those with the aforementioned lot codes or best by dates, do not consume them. Dispose of them promptly or return them to Publix for a refund. And, importantly, if you or someone you know has consumed these berries and developed symptoms consistent with E. coli, seek medical attention without delay. Your health is paramount.