Publix has expanded a recall of its GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries due to potential contamination with E. coli O145:H28 (a Shiga toxin-producing strain, or STEC). This is linked to a multistate outbreak investigated by the CDC, FDA, and state health departments. The products were sold only at Publix stores in eight Southeastern states. Below is a comprehensive compilation of available details drawn from official FDA and CDC notices, Publix’s announcement, and contemporaneous news reporting (as of early August 2026).
When the Recall Happened
- Initial supplier recall (July 3, 2026): Chilean grower/processor Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. (San Carlos, Chile) recalled one specific lot of GreenWise Organic IQF (individually quick frozen) Blueberries after links to illnesses emerged.
- Publix internal stop-sale: End of June 2026 — Publix stopped selling the GreenWise frozen organic whole blueberries and whole mixed berries in its stores. Products remain unavailable for sale.
- Expanded Publix recall (July 29, 2026): Publix announced a full recall of all lots of the affected GreenWise products “out of an abundance of caution,” based on public health officials’ product traceback and epidemiological data. The FDA posted the company announcement around this time; media coverage and local health alerts (including in Kentucky) continued into early August 2026.
- Outbreak investigation timeline: Illness onsets ranged from May 11 to June 5, 2026. Florida Department of Health notified partners around July 1. CDC/FDA updates continued through at least July 30, 2026; the investigation remained open as of the latest available reports.
What Products Are Recalled
All lots of the following Publix GreenWise brand products (organic, frozen):
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce (UPC 41415-06453)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce (UPC 41415-12053)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce (UPC 41415-06753)
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce (UPC 41415-12153)
Earlier specific lot (now subsumed under the broader recall): GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries, 10-ounce packages, Lot Code 60401 (sometimes printed as 6 040 01), Best By Date February 9, 2028.
These are typically sold in resealable pouches. The mixed berries contain blueberries along with other berries. No other GreenWise products or non-organic frozen berries from Publix are included in this specific action based on available notices. Check packaging carefully for the GreenWise Organic branding, size, and UPC.
Why / How the Contamination Risk Arose
The products may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O145:H28 (also referred to as E. coli O145). This is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Shiga toxins can damage the lining of the intestine and, in severe cases, the bloodstream and kidneys.
The outbreak is linked to organic frozen blueberries from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. Epidemiologic evidence showed that a high percentage of interviewed patients (7 of 9, or 78%) reported eating frozen blueberries in the week before illness — far higher than background rates in food consumption surveys. Several specifically named GreenWise organic frozen blueberries from Publix. Whole-genome sequencing of patient isolates showed closely related bacteria, pointing to a common source. FDA remote assessment of the Chilean firm raised concerns about additional lots beyond the original one, prompting the expanded action. The firm was placed on an FDA Import Alert, meaning future shipments of frozen blueberries from them may be detained without physical examination unless the firm demonstrates corrective actions.
Illnesses reported (as of latest CDC/FDA figures around July 30, 2026):
- 12 confirmed cases of the outbreak strain.
- 4 hospitalizations.
- 0 deaths.
- Cases in 2 states: Florida and Georgia (illnesses reported between May 11 and June 5, 2026).
- Patient ages ranged from 2 to 88 years (median 43); roughly equal male/female; most non-Hispanic White.
- Note: The true number of illnesses is likely higher because many people recover without seeking care or testing, and reporting lags exist.
Where the Products Were Sold
Distributed exclusively to Publix retail stores in these eight states:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
Local reporting (e.g., Kentucky health departments and outlets covering Louisville, Lexington, and surrounding areas) specifically flagged the products for Kentucky shoppers. No distribution outside these states or to other retailers is indicated for the recalled GreenWise items.
What to Do If You Have the Product in Your Freezer
- Do not eat, sell, or serve any of the recalled GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries or Whole Mixed Berries (any lot, any size listed above).
- Discard the product in a way that prevents others (including pets) from accessing it, or return it to any Publix store for a full refund.
- If the berries were removed from original packaging and you cannot confirm they are not the recalled product, discard them to be safe.
- Thoroughly wash and sanitize any containers, utensils, refrigerator/freezer surfaces, or other items that may have come into contact with the berries using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. This helps prevent cross-contamination.
What to Do If You (or Someone in Your Household) May Have Consumed the Product
Monitor closely for symptoms of STEC infection. Symptoms typically begin 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria (range can vary).
Common symptoms:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Vomiting
- Sometimes fever
Most healthy people recover without specific treatment in 5 to 7 days. However, some develop the serious complication hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) — a type of kidney failure that can lead to long-term health problems or death. HUS risk is higher in:
- Children under 5 years old
- Adults 65 and older
- People with weakened immune systems
Seek medical care promptly (call your healthcare provider or go to urgent care/ER) if you experience any of these severe signs:
- Diarrhea plus fever higher than 102°F (38.9°C)
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting so severe you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration (little or no urination, dry mouth/throat, dizziness when standing)
- Signs that may indicate HUS: decreased urination, extreme tiredness/fatigue, loss of pink color in cheeks or inside lower eyelids
Tell your provider you may have consumed recalled frozen berries linked to an E. coli O145 outbreak; this can guide testing and care. Antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medications are generally not recommended for STEC infections and can sometimes worsen outcomes — follow medical advice only.
How to Get a Refund
- Simply return the recalled product (or the packaging if you still have it) to any Publix store. Publix has stated customers can receive a full refund.
- No receipt is required in the standard recall guidance from the company and FDA.
- For questions about the return process or if you encounter any issues: Contact Publix Customer Care at (800) 242-1227, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Additional Context and Ongoing Status
The investigation remains open. FDA and CDC continue to work with state partners. Additional lots or related products could theoretically be added if new information emerges, though none have been reported beyond the items listed. One earlier, narrower recall by the Chilean supplier was limited to Lot 60401 of the 10-ounce blueberries; Publix’s July 29 action broadened it significantly to all lots of the blueberries and the mixed berry products because of the shared supplier and epidemiological signals.
Local media in Kentucky, North Carolina, and other affected states amplified the alert in early August 2026, urging shoppers to check freezers. Note that a separate, unrelated August 2026 recall involving Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods deli meals (baked spaghetti, chicken cobbler, bread pudding, etc., due to possible aluminum metal fragments) also listed Publix among retailers in some overlapping states; that is a different issue with different products and is not connected to the berry/E. coli situation.
Official resources for the latest updates:
- FDA recall notice and outbreak investigation page
- CDC outbreak page for E. coli linked to frozen blueberries (includes symptom guidance and fast facts)
- Publix Customer Care line listed above
If you purchased any of these GreenWise frozen organic berries in the listed states and still have them, the safest course is to discard or return them immediately and clean any contact surfaces. If symptoms develop after possible consumption, contact a healthcare provider without delay. This summary aggregates the most complete public information available from primary sources as of early August 2026; always check the FDA and CDC sites for any subsequent updates.
