Summary (tl;dr)

Frozen organic blueberries and mixed berries sold under the GreenWise brand at Publix stores have been subject to an expanded recall due to potential contamination with E. coli O145, resulting in multiple reported illnesses and hospitalizations.

Essential Background

The initial recall of a specific lot of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries was issued on July 3, 2026, by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile, prompted by concerns regarding E. coli O145 contamination. This particular strain of Escherichia coli is a Shiga toxin-producing bacterium (STEC) known to cause severe gastrointestinal illness and can lead to serious complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

The Full Story

Publix proactively expanded a recall on July 29, 2026, to include all lots of its GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries, which were distributed to its retail stores across eight U.S. states. This action follows an ongoing investigation into a multistate E. coli O145 outbreak, which has, as of July 30, 2026, identified 12 confirmed cases of illness and four hospitalizations, predominantly in Florida and Georgia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) further emphasized the severity of the situation by issuing a Class I risk classification for the recalled products on August 19, 2026, signifying a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death from consumption.

Why It Matters

This widespread recall is critical due to the significant health risks associated with E. coli O145 contamination. Consumption of the contaminated berries can lead to severe symptoms including intense stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting, and can progress to life-threatening conditions like kidney failure, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The FDA's Class I designation highlights the urgent need for consumers to check their freezers and either discard the recalled products or return them to Publix for a full refund to prevent further illness.

Geographic Location

• Lakeland, Florida, United States (Publix headquarters, expanded recall announced)
• San Carlos, Ñuble Region, Chile (origin of supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., initial recall)
• Alabama, United States (recalled products distributed to Publix stores)
• Florida, United States (recalled products distributed to Publix stores, 11 confirmed E. coli cases)
• Georgia, United States (recalled products distributed to Publix stores, 1 confirmed E. coli case)
• Kentucky, United States (recalled products distributed to Publix stores)
• North Carolina, United States (recalled products distributed to Publix stores)
• South Carolina, United States (recalled products distributed to Publix stores)
• Tennessee, United States (recalled products distributed to Publix stores)
• Virginia, United States (recalled products distributed to Publix stores)