Summary (tl;dr)

Publix has issued an expanded Class I recall for all lots of its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries due to potential E. coli O145:H28 contamination, which has been linked to multiple illnesses and hospitalizations.

Essential Background

The recall originated from an initial recall on July 3, 2026, by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile, for a specific lot of GreenWise Organic Blueberries due to potential E. coli O145:H28 contamination. Public health officials subsequently traced illnesses to frozen organic blueberries from this packer.

The Full Story

On July 29, 2026, Publix expanded this action by recalling all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries, sold in 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags, as a precautionary measure following concerns raised by a remote assessment of the Chilean packer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) subsequently upgraded this to a Class I recall—its most serious designation—on August 18-20, 2026, indicating a reasonable probability that consumption could lead to serious health consequences or death. As of early July, 12 illnesses and four hospitalizations across two states (Florida and Georgia) have been reported in connection with this outbreak, though no deaths have occurred. The affected products have UPCs 41415-06453, 41415-12053, 41415-06753, and 41415-12153, with expiration dates before February 9, 2028, and were distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Consumers are advised not to consume these berries and should discard them or return them to any Publix store for a full refund.

Why It Matters

This Class I recall is significant due to the severe health risks associated with E. coli O145:H28, which can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and potentially lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The widespread distribution across eight states and the reported illnesses highlight the importance of immediate consumer action to prevent further infections and ensure food safety.

Geographic Location

• San Carlos, Ñuble Region, Chile (origin of frozen organic blueberries)
• Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, United States (Publix headquarters and recall announcement)
• Florida, United States (state with reported E. coli illnesses)
• Georgia, United States (state with reported E. coli illnesses)
• Alabama, United States (Publix retail stores received recalled products)
• Kentucky, United States (Publix retail stores received recalled products)
• North Carolina, United States (Publix retail stores received recalled products)
• South Carolina, United States (Publix retail stores received recalled products)
• Tennessee, United States (Publix retail stores received recalled products)
• Virginia, United States (Publix retail stores received recalled products)