United States – Florida and Georgia are at the center of an ongoing food safety investigation after a series of recalled blueberry and mixed berry products received the FDA’s most serious risk classification over possible E. coli contamination.
The warning applies to four GreenWise products sold at Publix stores across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Federal officials are urging consumers to check their freezers and refrigerators and avoid eating any affected products.
FDA Issues Highest-Risk Classification
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a Class I risk classification for the recalled products on Tuesday. The designation is the highest of the FDA’s three recall classifications and is reserved for situations where exposure to a violative product has a reasonable probability of causing serious adverse health consequences or death.
The products involved include Organic Whole Blueberries in 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages and Organic Whole Mixed Berries in 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages.
The affected products can be identified by their UPC numbers:
- Organic Whole Blueberries, 10 oz: 41415-06453
- Organic Whole Blueberries, 48 oz: 41415-12053
- Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10 oz: 41415-06753
- Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48 oz: 41415-12153
Publix recalled all lots of the products on July 29 because they may contain E. coli O145.
12 Illnesses Reported in Florida and Georgia
The recall comes after health officials identified illnesses potentially connected to the contaminated berries.
As of July 30, the FDA reported 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, including four hospitalizations. No deaths had been reported at that point.
The illnesses began between May 11 and June 5, according to the agency. The investigation remained ongoing, meaning additional information could emerge as officials continue examining the source and distribution of the products.
What Makes E. Coli O145 Dangerous?
E. coli is a large group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains are harmless, certain types can cause serious foodborne illness.
The strain identified in this recall, E. coli O145, is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC. These bacteria can release toxins that damage the intestinal lining and, in severe cases, lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause kidney failure.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing serious complications.
Consumers Urged to Throw Away Recalled Berries
Consumers who have the recalled products should not eat them, according to the FDA. Instead, they should throw the berries away or return them to the place where they were purchased.
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People who removed the berries from their original packaging and can no longer determine whether their product is included in the recall are also advised to discard the product rather than taking a chance.
The FDA also recommends cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces, utensils or containers that may have come into contact with the berries.
Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection should contact a health care provider promptly, particularly if symptoms become severe.
Recall Highlights Broader Food Safety Concerns
The blueberry recall comes as foodborne illnesses continue to draw attention worldwide. A recent World Health Organization-backed study estimated that foodborne parasites caused approximately 171 million illnesses globally between 2000 and 2021.
Although that research focused on parasites rather than E. coli, the two issues highlight the continuing importance of food safety, sanitation, surveillance and rapid outbreak investigations.
For consumers who purchased GreenWise berries from Publix in the affected states, checking products before eating them could be an important step in avoiding potential exposure.
Have you purchased any of the recalled GreenWise blueberry or mixed berry products? Share your thoughts or experience in the comments below.
