Publix Recalls GreenWise Organic Frozen Berries: What You Need to Know (Updated July 30, 2026)

What Happened? (The Short Version)

Publix has recalled ALL lots of GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries and Mixed Berries because they might be contaminated with a dangerous bacteria called E. coli O145:H28.

This recall happened after 12 people got sick in Florida and Georgia. The berries came from a supplier in Chile called Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. The FDA and CDC are investigating, and more products might be added later.

IMPORTANT: If you have these berries in your freezer, DO NOT EAT THEM. Throw them away or return them to Publix for a full refund.

Which Products Are Recalled?

Check your freezer for these exact products (all sizes, all lot codes, all best-by dates):

What do the packages look like?

• Cream-colored bags with the GreenWise brand name
• USDA Organic seal on the front
• Pictures of blueberries (or mixed berries: blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)

Note: There was an earlier recall on July 3, 2026 for just one specific lot of the 10-ounce blueberries (lot code 60401, best by Feb 9, 2028). The new recall from July 29 replaces that one and covers ALL lots of all four products listed above.

Where Were These Sold?

The recalled berries were shipped to Publix stores in 8 southeastern states:

• Alabama (AL)
• Florida (FL)
• Georgia (GA)
• Kentucky (KY)
• North Carolina (NC)
• South Carolina (SC)
• Tennessee (TN)
• Virginia (VA)

Heads up: The FDA says the berries could have been distributed further, so even if you’re not in these states, check your freezer if you shop at Publix.

What Is E. coli? (Simple Explanation)

E. coli (short for Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria. Most E. coli are harmless and live in our intestines. But some strains (like O145:H28) make a toxin that makes people very sick.

Symptoms of E. coli Infection

Symptoms usually start 1–9 days after eating contaminated food:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Fever
• Nausea and/or vomiting

Serious Complications

Some people (especially young kids, older adults, and those with weak immune systems) can develop HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome) — a type of kidney failure that can be life-threatening. It can also lead to high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and nerve problems.

Current Outbreak Numbers (As of July 30, 2026)

What we know about the sick people:

• Illnesses started between May 11 – June 5, 2026
• 7 out of 9 people interviewed ate frozen blueberries
• 5 of those specifically ate GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries from Publix

What Should YOU Do? (Step-by-Step)

For Everyone:

1. Check your freezer for the products listed above
2. If you find them:
   • DO NOT EAT THEM
   • Throw them away OR Return to Publix for a full refund
3. If you transferred berries to another container and can’t tell if they’re recalled: Throw them away — better safe than sorry!
4. Clean and sanitize anything the berries touched:
   • Freezer shelves/drawers
   • Containers, bowls, utensils
   • Countertops
   • Follow FDA’s safe handling advice

If You Ate the Recalled Berries:

1. Watch for symptoms (stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting) for up to 9 days
2. If you get sick: Call your doctor right away and tell them you ate recalled berries

For Restaurants, Retailers & Food Service:

1. Stop selling/serving these products immediately
2. Remove from shelves/inventory
3. Clean and sanitize all surfaces and containers
4. If you repackaged these berries for individual sale: Do not sell them — remove from market

What Is the FDA Doing?

• Investigating the source of contamination at the Chilean supplier (Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.)
• Conducted a remote inspection of the supplier’s facility in San Carlos, Chile
• Found concerns about at least one other lot of blueberries used in GreenWise products → led to the expanded recall
• Added the supplier to Import Alert 99-35 — future shipments may be detained at the border
• Working with CDC and state partners to track illnesses
• Will update this advisory as new information comes in

Product Pictures (Know What to Look For)

Tip: The UPC code (barcode number) is the most reliable way to identify recalled products. Find it on the bottom or side of the bag.

> IMPORTANT REMINDERS (Please Read!)

DO NOT eat, sell, or serve any recalled GreenWise frozen berries

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT — If you can’t tell if your berries are recalled, discard them

CLEAN EVERYTHING the berries touched — freezer, containers, utensils, counters

CALL YOUR DOCTOR if you have symptoms after eating these berries

REPORT ILLNESS to FDA via Industry and Consumer Assistance

Summary

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. I bought GreenWise frozen berries but threw away the bag. How do I know if they’re recalled?

If you can’t confirm they’re not on the recall list, throw them out. It’s not worth the risk. You can still get a refund at Publix — just tell them you had the recalled product.

2. Can I cook the berries to make them safe?

No. E. coli toxins may not be destroyed by cooking. Do not eat, cook, bake, or blend recalled berries. Throw them away.

3. I ate some of these berries and feel fine. Should I still worry?

Symptoms can take up to 9 days to appear. Watch for stomach cramps, diarrhea (especially bloody), fever, nausea, or vomiting. If symptoms develop, call your doctor immediately.

4. Are fresh GreenWise berries or other Publix frozen fruits affected?

No — only the four specific frozen products listed above. Fresh berries, other frozen fruits, and other GreenWise products are not part of this recall.

5. How do I get a refund?

Take the product (or a photo of the UPC/lot code if you already threw it out) to any Publix store for a full refund. No receipt needed.

Need Help or Want to Report Something?

Last Updated: July 30, 2026
Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) & Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Status: INVESTIGATION ONGOING — Check back for updates

Stay safe, check your freezer, and when in doubt — throw it out!