Urgent Health Alert: Publix Recalls Frozen Berries Amid E. Coli Outbreak Across 8 States

There's a serious health alert buzzing through the grocery aisles, especially if you're a fan of frozen fruit from Publix. The popular supermarket chain has issued an expanded recall for certain GreenWise brand frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries. Why? Because these seemingly innocent freezer staples have been linked to an unsettling E. coli O145:H28 outbreak that has already sickened a dozen people across eight different states.

Initially, the alarm bells rang for GreenWise frozen organic blueberries in 10-ounce bags, specifically those with a "Best By" date of February 9, 2028, and a particular lot code (60401 or 6040 01). But, as these things often go, the scope widened. On July 29, 2026, Publix prudently expanded the recall to include all lots of both their GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries, encompassing both 10-ounce and larger 48-ounce packages. It turns out these berries were supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a company located all the way in San Carlos, Chile.

Twelve individuals have, unfortunately, confirmed E. coli O145:H28 infections tied to these products. And here’s the really worrying part: four of them ended up in the hospital. Thankfully, there have been no reported deaths, which is a small comfort amidst the concern. These stomach illnesses cropped up between May 11 and June 5, 2026, touching lives in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The symptoms are not to be taken lightly either; we're talking about severe stomach cramps, persistent diarrhea (which can turn bloody), and vomiting. In more serious cases, you might see a fever over 102°F or diarrhea that just doesn't improve for days. Dehydration is a very real risk, especially for vulnerable populations.

So, what should you do if you have these berries in your freezer? The advice from health officials is clear and direct: do not eat them. Period. Seriously, check your freezer right now for any GreenWise organic frozen blueberries or mixed berries. If you find any, the safest course of action is to discard them immediately. Alternatively, you can take them back to any Publix store for a full refund. There's simply no reason to take a chance with your health, or that of your loved ones, when dealing with E. coli.

This whole situation began with a notification to the CDC from the Florida Department of Health back on July 1, 2026, concerning those initial stomach illness cases. Now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), along with state and local health partners, are all working diligently to investigate the outbreak thoroughly. They're trying to trace the contamination, ensure all affected products are off the shelves, and prevent further illnesses. It's a complex puzzle, but these agencies are on it.

It's a stark reminder, isn't it, of how vital food safety measures are, even for something as seemingly innocuous as frozen fruit. While we trust our grocery stores and brands, sometimes things can go awry in the supply chain. For now, double-check your frozen berry stash, stay informed, and prioritize your well-being. A little caution goes a long way when a potential E. coli risk is involved.