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 contamination with E. coli O145, leading the FDA to classify it as a Class I (highest risk) recall after illnesses were reported in multiple states.

Essential Background

The initial recall began on July 3, 2026, when Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a Chilean frozen berry producer, recalled one lot of 10-ounce bags of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries due to concerns over E. coli contamination following reports of consumer illnesses. This initial action was prompted by a cluster of E. coli O145 illnesses identified by the Florida Department of Health, with interviews linking frozen GreenWise organic blueberries from Publix as a likely source.

The Full Story

On July 29, 2026, Publix expanded the recall to include all lots of its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries, which had been sold in Publix stores across eight states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) subsequently upgraded this recall to a Class I classification on August 18 or 19, 2026, designating it as the highest risk level. A Class I recall indicates a "reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." The recall affects various sizes of the organic whole blueberries and mixed berries with a "Best By" date of February 9, 2028, and specifically includes products that were shipped to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. As of early July 2026, there were 12 confirmed cases of E. coli O145:H28 infections linked to the berries, with 11 cases in Florida and one in Georgia, resulting in four hospitalizations, though no deaths have been reported.

Why It Matters

This recall is significant because E. coli O145:H28 is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) that can cause severe symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting. While most healthy individuals recover, some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, potentially causing kidney failure and being life-threatening. The Class I designation underscores the serious health risks involved, prompting consumers to check their freezers and either discard affected products or return them to Publix for a full refund.

Geographic Location

• Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, United States (Publix recall announcement and corporate headquarters)
• San Carlos, Ñuble Region, Chile (origin of frozen berries from producer Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.)
• Florida, United States (primary state with reported E. coli illnesses)
• Georgia, United States (state with reported E. coli illnesses)
• Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, United States (states where recalled GreenWise Organic frozen berries were distributed to Publix stores)