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Urgent: SC Publix Recalls Blueberries – Check Your Fridge Now!
Publix Recalls GreenWise Organic Frozen Berries Due to E. Coli Concerns
What Happened?
Publix Super Markets has expanded a recall on GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries because they might be contaminated with E. coli (a type of bacteria that can make you very sick).
The recall started earlier, but on July 29, Publix added more products to the list "out of an abundance of caution" after health officials traced the illness to these berries.
Which Stores Are Affected?
The recalled berries were shipped to Publix stores in eight states:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
Note: Publix has about 75 stores in South Carolina alone.
Which Products Are Recalled?
Check your freezer for these exact items:
| Product Name | Size | UPC Code (Barcode Number) |
|---|---|---|
| GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries | 10-ounce bag | 41415-06453 |
| GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries | 48-ounce bag | 41415-12053 |
| GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries | 10-ounce bag | 41415-06753 |
| GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries | 48-ounce bag | 41415-12153 |
What is a UPC? It’s the 12-digit barcode number on the package. You can find it near the barcode label.
What Should You Do? (Step-by-Step)
If you have any of these products in your freezer:
- STOP — Do not eat the berries.
- CHECK — Look at the UPC code on the bag to see if it matches the list above.
- DISCARD or RETURN — Throw the berries in the trash OR take them back to any Publix store for a full refund (no receipt needed).
- CLEAN — Wash your hands and any containers or surfaces that touched the berries with hot, soapy water.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT EAT THESE BERRIES.
Even if they look and smell fine, freezing does not kill E. coli. Cooking can kill it, but because these are often eaten raw (in smoothies, yogurt, etc.), the safest choice is to throw them out or return them.
How Many People Got Sick?
Health officials have confirmed an outbreak linked to these berries:
- 12 people infected across two states
- Illnesses started between May 11 and June 5
- 4 people were hospitalized
- 0 deaths reported
What Is E. Coli? (Simple Explanation)
E. coli (short for Escherichia coli) is a bacteria that lives in intestines. Most types are harmless, but some strains produce a toxin that causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. It can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
What’s Being Done About It?
- The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and state health partners are actively investigating to find the exact source of the contamination.
- Publix has removed all affected products from store shelves.
- The recall is a precautionary measure to prevent more illnesses.
Need Help? Contact Publix
Publix Customer Care
1-800-242-1227
Available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
For the latest updates on the investigation, visit the CDC outbreak page:
CDC E. coli Outbreak Linked to Blueberries
Summary
| Key Point | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| What | Recall of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries & Mixed Berries (frozen) | |
| Why | Possible E. coli contamination (12 illnesses, 4 hospitalizations) | |
| Where | Publix stores in AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA | |
| Action | Do not eat. Return for full refund or discard safely. | |
| Contact | Publix: 1-800-242-1227 | CDC: cdc.gov/ecoli |
FAQ
1. I ate some of these berries already. What should I do?
If you feel fine, you likely don’t need to do anything. Watch for symptoms (severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever) for the next 1–10 days. If symptoms appear, contact your doctor and tell them you ate recalled berries.
2. Can I just cook the berries to make them safe?
Cooking can kill E. coli, but it’s not recommended. It’s hard to guarantee every berry reaches a safe temperature (165°F / 74°C) all the way through. The safest choice: throw them out or return them.
3. Do I need a receipt to get a refund?
No. Publix is offering a full refund without a receipt. Just bring the product (or a photo of the UPC) to any Publix store.
4. Are fresh berries or other GreenWise products affected?
No. This recall only applies to the four specific frozen products listed above. Fresh berries, other frozen fruits, and other GreenWise items are not included.
5. How long will the investigation take?
Food safety investigations can take weeks to months. The FDA and CDC will post updates on their websites as they learn more about the contamination source.
