Publix Recalls GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries and Mixed Berries Over Potential E. coli Contamination
Publix has announced a voluntary recall of all lots of its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries after concerns that the products may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O145 (E. coli O145), a harmful strain of bacteria capable of causing serious foodborne illness. The recall affects frozen berry products sold at Publix stores across eight southeastern states and comes as part of the company’s commitment to protecting consumer health and safety.
The supermarket chain emphasized that the decision to expand the recall was made out of an abundance of caution after reviewing product traceback data and epidemiological findings provided by public health authorities. Although an earlier recall had already been issued for a specific lot of frozen blueberries, Publix has now broadened the action to include all lots of the affected GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed berry products.
Expanded Recall Covers Multiple Frozen Berry Products
The recall involves four GreenWise Organic frozen fruit products that were available in both 10-ounce and 48-ounce package sizes. Consumers who purchased any of these products are advised not to eat them under any circumstances.
The recalled products include:
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce package (UPC: 41415-06453)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce package (UPC: 41415-12053)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce package (UPC: 41415-06753)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce package (UPC: 41415-12153)
According to Publix, these products were distributed to stores located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Customers who currently have any of these frozen berry products in their freezers are encouraged to discard them immediately or return them to any Publix location for a full refund.
Understanding the Potential Health Risk
The recall centers on the possible presence of Escherichia coli O145, commonly referred to as E. coli O145. This bacterium belongs to a group known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which can produce toxins capable of causing significant illness in humans.
Unlike harmless strains of E. coli that naturally exist in the human digestive system, STEC bacteria can lead to severe gastrointestinal infections after contaminated food is consumed. The illness often begins several days after exposure and may range from mild to severe depending on the individual’s age and overall health.
Typical symptoms associated with E. coli O145 infection include:
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea, which may become bloody
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Mild fever in some individuals
Most healthy adults recover within approximately one week without requiring extensive medical treatment. However, the infection can become much more serious for vulnerable populations.
Serious Complications Can Occur
Health officials warn that certain individuals are at greater risk of developing complications from STEC infections. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
One of the most serious complications associated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening condition that affects the blood and kidneys.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome can develop several days after the onset of diarrhea and may result in:
- Kidney failure
- Destruction of red blood cells
- Low platelet counts
- Reduced urine output
- Extreme fatigue
- Swelling
- High blood pressure
Because HUS can require hospitalization and intensive medical care, health experts advise anyone experiencing severe symptoms after consuming the recalled products to seek immediate medical attention.
Recall Follows Earlier Supplier Action
The expanded Publix recall follows an earlier announcement made on July 3 by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a fruit producer located in San Carlos, Chile.
That initial recall involved GreenWise Organic Blueberries packaged in 10-ounce containers bearing Lot Code 60401. Following additional investigations conducted by public health officials, including product traceback efforts and epidemiological analysis, Publix determined that expanding the recall to all production lots of both frozen blueberry and mixed berry products was the most appropriate precautionary measure.
The company noted that the expanded recall is intended to eliminate any potential risk to customers while investigations continue.
Immediate Stop Sale Implemented
Publix stated that it acted quickly once concerns regarding the products emerged. By the end of June 2026, the retailer had already implemented an internal stop-sale order for the affected frozen berry products.
A stop sale prevents recalled merchandise from being sold through stores, ensuring that customers cannot purchase additional units while the investigation is ongoing.
As a result of this action, the recalled GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries are no longer available for purchase at Publix locations.
The company said these products remain unavailable until the safety concerns have been fully addressed.
What Consumers Should Do
Publix strongly advises customers to check their freezers for any of the recalled GreenWise frozen berry products.
Consumers should not taste or consume the berries even if they appear normal or show no visible signs of contamination. Harmful bacteria such as STEC cannot be detected by appearance, smell, or taste alone.
Customers who identify recalled products should either:
- Throw the products away in a secure manner, or
- Return them to any Publix store to receive a full refund.
Individuals who have already consumed the recalled berries should monitor themselves for symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, or bloody stools.
Anyone experiencing severe illness or symptoms consistent with E. coli infection should contact a healthcare provider promptly, particularly if symptoms worsen or signs of dehydration develop.
Importance of Food Safety Monitoring
Food recalls play a critical role in protecting public health by removing potentially contaminated products from the marketplace before additional illnesses occur. Retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, and government agencies routinely work together to investigate possible foodborne outbreaks through laboratory testing, consumer reports, and supply chain tracking.
Traceback investigations help identify the origin of contaminated products and determine whether additional lots or related items may also be affected. Expanding recalls based on new evidence is a common precautionary measure designed to reduce consumer risk.
In this case, epidemiological information and product tracing prompted Publix to broaden the recall beyond the originally identified lot, demonstrating the company’s precautionary approach to food safety.
GreenWise Brand Commitment
GreenWise is Publix’s private-label brand focused on products made with carefully selected ingredients and quality standards. Although recalls involving branded products are uncommon, food safety experts emphasize that even high-quality food products can occasionally become contaminated during growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, or transportation.
Publix noted that customer safety remains its highest priority and that it is cooperating fully with health authorities and suppliers throughout the ongoing investigation.
