Summary (tl;dr)

Publix has issued a comprehensive recall of all lots of its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries due to potential E. coli O145 contamination, a recall which the FDA has elevated to its highest health risk level.

Essential Background

The initial concern arose on July 1, 2026, when the Florida Department of Health notified the CDC about a cluster of E. coli O145 illnesses. Frozen GreenWise-brand organic blueberries sold at Publix were identified as a potential source of the outbreak following interviews with affected individuals. This led to an initial recall on July 3, 2026, by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a Chile-based supplier, for a specific lot of 10-ounce GreenWise Organic Blueberries found to contain E. coli O145. Publix proactively removed the affected frozen berries from sale by the end of June 2026.

The Full Story

On July 29, 2026, Publix expanded its recall to include all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries, encompassing both 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages, due to ongoing public health investigations and out of an abundance of caution. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) subsequently upgraded this to a Class 1 recall on August 19-21, 2026, signifying that there is a "reasonable probability" that consuming these products could lead to serious adverse health consequences or even death. As of the latest reports, twelve individuals across two states have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli, resulting in four hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported. The recalled products were distributed to Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Consumers who have purchased these berries, particularly those with an expiration date before February 9, 2028, are urged not to consume them and should either discard them or return them to any Publix store for a full refund.

Why It Matters

The recall is critical due to the serious health risks associated with E. coli O145, a Shiga toxin-producing bacterium. Infection can cause severe symptoms such as intense stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting. While most healthy individuals recover, vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems, are at a higher risk of developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure. The FDA's Class 1 designation underscores the potential for severe illness or fatality, making public awareness and adherence to the recall instructions paramount for consumer safety.

Geographic Location

• Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, United States (Publix announcement of recall)
• San Carlos, Ñuble Region, Chile (location of initial supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.)
• Alabama, United States (product distributed to Publix stores)
• Florida, United States (product distributed to Publix stores and initial E. coli investigation)
• Georgia, United States (product distributed to Publix stores)
• Kentucky, United States (product distributed to Publix stores)
• North Carolina, United States (product distributed to Publix stores)
• South Carolina, United States (product distributed to Publix stores)
• Tennessee, United States (product distributed to Publix stores)
• Virginia, United States (product distributed to Publix stores)