Chile-based Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. is recalling blueberries sold through Publix retail stores across eight U.S. states due to E. coli bacterial contamination risk, the company said in an announcement published by the Food and Drug Administration on July 6.
The recall is applicable to 10 oz. GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries, with lot code 60401 and a “Best By” date of Feb. 9, 2028. The items were shipped to Publix outlets in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The company clarified that products with other lot codes or Best By dates are not impacted by the recall.
The contamination concerns relate to E. coli O145, which is a “Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) that can cause illness characterized by severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting,” the announcement said.
“While most healthy individuals recover within a week, some infections may result in a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems,” it said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HUS is a “very serious complication” that can lead to kidney failure and other permanent health issues. Some people may even die.
Signs of HUS include urinating less often or not at all, having blood in the urine, feeling very tired, decreased awareness, losing the pink color in the cheeks, and unexplained tiny red spots on the skin.
In its announcement, the company said it had received 12 reports of consumers experiencing stomach illness between May 11 and June 5, linked to E. coli infections. Following the reports, Frutas y Hortalizas S.A. decided to initiate the recall.
The company asked people who have bought the impacted GreenWise blueberry products not to consume them. Instead, the product should either be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.
“Frutas y Hortalizas S.A. is working closely with the appropriate regulatory authorities and its customers regarding this recall,” the announcement said.
“The company is committed to protecting consumers and is conducting a thorough investigation into the source of the presumptive finding.
“The company has instructed all customers receiving the affected lot to immediately isolate the product, discontinue its distribution, and notify any downstream customers who may have received the affected lot.”
The Epoch Times reached out to Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
The FDA, CDC, and state and local partners are currently investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O145 infections linked to GreenWise blueberries, according to a July 6 update from the FDA.
The Florida Department of Health had notified CDC partners on July 1 that it was probing a cluster of infections. An interview conducted among sick people found that frozen GreenWise-brand organic blueberries sold at Publix were the “leading food item of interest” in the outbreak.
As of July 5, a total of 12 infection cases have been reported, including four hospitalizations, in two states—Florida and Georgia.
“Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and foodservice customers who purchased or received recalled blueberries, including wholesale products, should carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that it touched,” the agency said.
“Consult your health care provider immediately if you ate frozen GreenWise-brand organic blueberries and have any symptoms that resemble an E. coli infection.”
In a May 2024 report, the CDC recommended that people call their doctor if they suffer from symptoms such as bloody urine, diarrhea, or vomiting lasting for over two days, a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and dehydration.
“If you have diarrhea or vomiting, be sure to drink plenty of fluids,” the agency said. “Dehydration can happen quickly in young children. Give children with diarrhea or vomiting extra fluids, such as Pedialyte or oral rehydration salts. Do not wait.”
In addition to food, E. coli infection can occur from drinking contaminated water or from coming into contact with animals or their environments.
