Publix Recalls Frozen Organic Berries Over E. Coli Concerns: What You Need to Know

What Happened?

Publix Super Markets has announced a voluntary recall of all lots of two frozen organic berry products sold under its GreenWise brand. This recall affects stores in eight states and comes after health officials linked the berries to a multistate outbreak of E. coli O145.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT EAT THESE PRODUCTS

If you have any of the recalled berries in your freezer, throw them away immediately or return them to any Publix store for a full refund. Do not take chances with your health.

Which Products Are Recalled?

The recall covers four specific products sold in two different sizes. Check your freezer for these exact items:

Key Details:

• Brand: GreenWise (Publix’s organic store brand)
• Type: Frozen fruit
• Scope: ALL LOTS — This means every single package of these items currently in stores or in your freezer, regardless of the "best by" date or lot number printed on the bag.

Where Were These Sold?

The recalled berries were distributed to Publix stores in the following eight states:

1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Kentucky
5. North Carolina
6. South Carolina
7. Tennessee
8. Virginia

NOTE: Publix operates over 1,400 stores across these states. If you shop at Publix in any of these locations, please check your freezer.

Why Is This Happening? (The Backstory)

This is an expansion of an earlier recall. Here is the timeline in simple terms:

1. July 3: A Chilean supplier named Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. recalled one single lot of GreenWise Organic Blueberries due to potential E. coli contamination.
2. Ongoing Investigation: Public health officials (like the CDC and FDA) investigated a multistate outbreak of E. coli O145:H28. They traced the illnesses back to these berries.
3. Current Announcement: Based on the investigation findings, Publix decided "out of an abundance of caution" to recall ALL lots of both the Whole Blueberries and the Whole Mixed Berries.
4. Action Taken: Publix stopped selling these products at the end of June. They are not currently on shelves.

What Is E. Coli O145:H28? (Simple Explanation)

E. coli (short for Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria. Most are harmless, but some are "bad guys."

• Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC): This specific strain (O145:H28) produces a poison called Shiga toxin.
• What it does: It attacks the lining of your intestines.

Symptoms Usually Appear 3–4 Days After Eating Contaminated Food:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Vomiting
• Low-grade fever (sometimes)

Recovery & Risks:

• Most healthy adults recover within 5–7 days without specific treatment.
• SERIOUS RISK: About 5–10% of people develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
  • What is HUS? A life-threatening condition that destroys red blood cells and causes kidney failure.
  • Who is most at risk?
    1. Young children (especially under 5)
    2. Older adults (65+)
    3. People with weakened immune systems

IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS: Contact your doctor immediately. Tell them you may have eaten recalled berries. Do not take antibiotics until testing is done—they can sometimes increase the risk of HUS.

What Should You Do Right Now? (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps immediately if you shop at Publix in the affected states:

1. STOP — Do not eat any GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries or Whole Mixed Berries from your freezer.
2. CHECK — Look at the package. Match the Product Name, Size (oz), and UPC Code to the table in the "Which Products Are Recalled?" section above.
3. TOSS OR RETURN —
   • Option A: Throw the bag in the trash (seal it in a plastic bag first so no one else eats it).
   • Option B: Return it to any Publix store for a full refund (no receipt needed).
4. CLEAN — Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the package. Clean any surfaces or containers the bag touched with hot, soapy water or a disinfectant.
5. MONITOR — Watch for symptoms (severe cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting) for the next 10 days. If symptoms appear, call a doctor.

Need Help? Contact Information

• Publix Customer Care: 1-800-242-1227
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time
• CDC Outbreak Investigation: Visit cdc.gov/ecoli for updates on the multistate investigation.
• FDA Recall Notice: Check fda.gov/safety/recalls for official details.

Summary

• Who: Publix Super Markets (largest employee-owned U.S. grocery chain).
• What: Voluntary recall of ALL lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries (4 specific UPC codes).
• Why: Linked to a multistate outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 (Shiga toxin-producing).
• Where: Publix stores in AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA.
• Risk: Severe stomach illness; potential kidney failure (HUS) in vulnerable groups.
• Action: Do not eat. Throw away or return for full refund. Call 800-242-1227 with questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. I ate some of these berries last week and feel fine. Am I in the clear?

Most likely, yes. Symptoms usually appear within 3–4 days (range 1–10 days). If it’s been over 10 days and you had no symptoms, you were likely not affected. However, if you are in a high-risk group (child, senior, immunocompromised), mention it to your doctor at your next visit just in case.

2. The "Best By" date on my bag is far in the future. Is it still recalled?

YES. The recall covers ALL LOTS and ALL DATES. The "Best By" date does not matter. If the UPC matches the list above, it is recalled.

3. Can I just cook the berries to kill the bacteria and eat them safely?

NO. DO NOT COOK AND EAT RECALLED BERRIES.

• While cooking can kill E. coli, the toxin (Shiga toxin) the bacteria already produced is heat-stable — cooking does not destroy it.
• Handling contaminated frozen berries can spread bacteria to your hands, counters, utensils, and other foods (cross-contamination).
• Safest path: Throw them out.

4. Are other Publix frozen fruits or GreenWise products affected?

No. As of this announcement, only the four specific products listed above are recalled. Other GreenWise items (like strawberries, peaches, or fresh berries) and other frozen fruits are not part of this recall.

5. I don’t have the receipt. Can I still get a refund?

YES. Publix is offering a full refund with no receipt required. Just bring the product (or a photo of the UPC on the bag) to the customer service desk at any Publix store.