Blueberry recall upgraded to FDA’s highest risk level… ‘reasonable probability of death’
A recall of frozen blueberries has been upgraded to the FDA’s highest warning level over potential deadly bacterial contamination.
Last month, Chile-based Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur SA issued a recall for its GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries after tests showed a presumptive positive result for E. coli, a type of bacteria that causes bloody diarrhea.
Publix later expanded the recall and pulled all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The FDA said at the end of June 2026, Publix conducted an internal stop sale of the berries.
Now, the agency has classified the recall as Class I, which represents ‘a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.’
As of July 30, the FDA has reported 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, including four hospitalizations. No deaths have been recorded.
Publix said it recalled the products because they may have been contaminated with E. coli O145, which produces dangerous Shiga toxins that harm the gut lining and lead to severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
A recall of frozen blueberries has been upgraded to the FDA’s most serious warning due to potentially deadly bacteria
While most people recover from E. coli on their own within a week, children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems can be more prone to a life-threatening kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure.
The illnesses began between May 11 and June 5, according to the FDA, and the agency’s investigation is still ongoing.
The FDA states seven of the nine individuals who were interviewed reported eating the frozen blueberries. Of those, five specified GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries from Publix.
No other details have been reported about those sickened.
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries were sold in 10oz and 48oz bags with UPCs 41415-06453 and 41415-12053, respectively. GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries were also sold in 10oz and 48oz bags with the UPCs 41415-06753 and 41415-12153.
E. coli typically comes from undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy and raw produce like apples, cucumbers and sprouts.
Roughly 75,000 to 90,000 Americans are exposed to E. coli each year and about 100 die annually. However, cases are vastly undercounted because most people recover without complication and do not get tested for the bacteria.
It’s unclear how the recalled fruits became contaminated, but this can happen if they are treated with water that contains animal feces.
E. coli bacteria stop growing at temperatures below 45.5F (7.5C) but can survive being frozen and are able to withstand temperatures below -112F (-80C).
Once back in a warm environment, the bacteria are re-activated and start to grow – potentially causing an infection.
Pictured above is a 10oz bag of recalled GreenWise Whole Mixed Berries
Shown above is a 10oz bag of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, which has been recalled over a suspected E. coli contamination
E. coli typically sickens people between two and eight days after exposure.
Most patients develop bloody diarrhea and vomiting, as well as stomach cramps, but recover within a week. In more severe cases, some develop HUS, a type of kidney failure most common in children under five, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms include easy bruising, decreased urine and a pale appearance. A kidney transplant may be necessary in severe or life-threatening instances.
‘FDA and state partners are actively working to determine the source of contamination,’ the FDA said.
