Publix just widened its recall of GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries after federal and state officials linked them to an E. coli O145:H28 outbreak. This strain produces Shiga toxin, which can cause serious illness. The recall only affects Publix stores in eight Southeastern states.
Here’s what you need to know, drawn directly from FDA, CDC, Publix statements, and recent news as of early August 2026.
Recall Timeline
It started back on July 3, 2026, when the Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., based in San Carlos, Chile, issued a recall on one lot of GreenWise Organic individually quick-frozen blueberries after reports of illness. Even before that, toward the end of June, Publix had already pulled the GreenWise organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries off its shelves; they haven’t returned since.
On July 29, Publix made things official by recalling every lot of the affected GreenWise frozen berries, not just the initial batch, “out of an abundance of caution.” This expanded recall came after public health officers analyzed product tracking and patterns in the outbreak, making it clear the risk spread beyond one lot. The FDA posted Publix’s alert, and coverage snowballed in news and state health warnings, especially in Kentucky, into August.
The illnesses started cropping up between May 11 and June 5, according to the ongoing outbreak investigation. The Florida Department of Health informed national partners around July 1, and CDC/FDA updates continued at least through July 30. As of now, the investigation hasn’t closed.
What’s Recalled
Every lot of these GreenWise Organic frozen fruits now falls under the recall:
– GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce (UPC 41415-06453)
– GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce (UPC 41415-12053)
– GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce (UPC 41415-06753)
– GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce (UPC 41415-12153)
Previously, the focus was on the IQF Blueberries, 10-ounce packages, with Lot Code 60401 (sometimes shown as 6 040 01), Best By Date of February 9, 2028. But now every lot of the above products are in recall.
They’re sold in resealable bags. The mixed berries include blueberries among other fruits. No other GreenWise products or non-organic frozen berries at Publix are involved. Check packaging for the GreenWise Organic label, size, and UPC, it matters.
How Contamination Was Discovered
The concern is contamination with E. coli O145:H28, a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. These toxins can do actual harm to your intestines and, in severe cases, your kidneys and blood.
The source? Organic frozen blueberries from the Chilean supplier. A whopping 78% of sick people interviewed (7 out of 9) had eaten frozen blueberries the week before their symptoms started, way above normal consumption rates. Many specifically named GreenWise organic frozen blueberries from Publix. Whole-genome sequencing tied the patient’s bacteria to the same source.
When the FDA completed a remote assessment of the Chilean supplier, it found enough issues to slap the company with an Import Alert. Until the supplier fixes the problems, authorities may automatically detain future shipments of these frozen blueberries.
At last count (late July):
– 12 people had confirmed E. coli infections from the outbreak strain
– 4 ended up hospitalized
– No deaths reported
– Cases in Florida and Georgia (illnesses occurred between May 11 and June 5)
– Patients ranged from toddlers to folks in their late 80s (median age 43), split about evenly between men and women, most non-Hispanic White
And as usual, actual cases are likely higher—many people recover at home and never get tested.
Where Were the Berries Sold?
Only at Publix stores in these states:
– Alabama
– Florida
– Georgia
– Kentucky
– North Carolina
– South Carolina
– Tennessee
– Virginia
Kentucky saw heavy local coverage, but there’s no evidence the recalled GreenWise berries went to other retailers or beyond these states.
What to Do If the Berries Are in Your Freezer
If you have any of the recalled GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries or Mixed Berries (any size, any lot), don’t risk it. Don’t eat, sell, or serve them. Throw them out, or take them back to a Publix store for a refund.
If you took berries out of their original packaging and can’t verify, they’re not the recalled ones, throw those out too. Clean any containers, utensils, or surfaces the berries touched with hot, soapy water, or run them through the dishwasher—cross-contamination is real.
What If You Ate the Recalled Berries?
Keep an eye out for symptoms of STEC infection starting three to four days after eating contaminated food. Common symptoms:
– Bad stomach cramps
– Diarrhea (often bloody)
– Vomiting
– Sometimes, a fever
Most people get better in about a week, but there’s a risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious type of kidney failure. HUS hits hardest in:
– Kids under 5
– Adults 65 or older
– Anyone with a weakened immune system
Seek medical care fast if you (or someone in your home) develop:
– Diarrhea with a fever over 102°F (38.9°C)
– Diarrhea lasting over 3 days that isn’t improving
– Bloody diarrhea
– Vomiting so bad you can’t keep liquids down
– Signs of dehydration (little or no urination, dry mouth, dizziness)
– HUS warning signs: less urine, unusual fatigue, pale cheeks or eyelids
Tell your doctor you ate recalled frozen berries connected to an E. coli O145 outbreak; it helps them run the right tests. Unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise, don’t use antibiotics or anti-diarrheal drugs for STEC infections, as they can sometimes make things worse.
Getting a Refund
Bring the recalled product or its packaging back to any Publix store; you’ll get a full refund, no receipt needed. If there’s an issue with the return, call Publix Customer Care at (800) 242-1227, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
Latest Status
The investigation remains ongoing, and the FDA and CDC are watching for new developments and could add more lots if fresh data appears. The original supplier’s recall only concerned a single lot, but Publix’s recall covers all lots because the outbreak pattern pointed to a broader problem.
Additional Recall
There has been a separate, unrelated recall in early August 2026 for Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods deli meals sold at Publix in some states (because of metal fragments), but that has nothing to do with this berry recall.
Want updates or to check product specifics?
– Visit the FDA recall notice and outbreak page
– Check the CDC’s page for E. coli outbreaks
– Call Publix Customer Care
If you picked up GreenWise frozen organic berries in the affected states and still have them, return or toss the berries and clean any surfaces they touched. Get in touch with a doctor right away if you develop symptoms after eating these berries. For ongoing updates, always check directly with the FDA and CDC.
