Publix Recalls GreenWise Organic Frozen Berries Due to E. coli Risk: What You Need to Know

What Happened?

On July 29, 2026, Publix announced a recall of ALL lots of GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries. This happened because the berries might be contaminated with a dangerous bacteria called E. coli O145:H28.

Earlier, on July 3, 2026, the company that grows these berries—Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. in Chile—recalled just one specific lot. But after the FDA investigated further, they found more berries might be risky. So Publix decided to recall every single package to keep people safe.

IMPORTANT: This is an ongoing investigation. More products could be added later. Check back for updates!

Which Products Are Recalled?

Check your freezer for these EXACT items:

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) in a wooden bowl.

PRO TIP: The UPC code is the long number under the barcode. If your bag matches any of the four numbers above, it is recalled.

Where Were These Sold?

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

1. Alabama (AL)
2. Florida (FL)
3. Georgia (GA)
4. Kentucky (KY)
5. North Carolina (NC)
6. South Carolina (SC)
7. Tennessee (TN)
8. Virginia (VA)

NOTE: The map shows these 8 states, but sometimes products get moved further. If you shop at Publix anywhere, check your freezer just in case.

What Is the Health Risk? (E. coli Explained Simply)

E. coli (full name: Escherichia coli) is a bacteria that lives in intestines. Most types are harmless, but this specific type (O145:H28) makes toxins that can make you very sick.

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

• Severe stomach cramps (like really bad gas pains)
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Fever
• Nausea and/or vomiting

Serious Complications (Rare but Dangerous):

• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): A type of kidney failure that can be life-threatening.
• Long-term issues: High blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, nerve/brain problems.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF: You ate these berries and have bloody diarrhea, fever over 102°F, signs of dehydration (peeing very little, dry mouth, dizziness), or symptoms lasting more than 3 days.

How Many People Got Sick? (As of July 30, 2026)

What we know from interviews:

• 7 out of 9 people interviewed reported eating frozen blueberries.
• 5 of those specifically said GreenWise brand from Publix.

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

For Everyone:

1. STOP: Do NOT eat, serve, or sell these berries.
2. CHECK: Look in your freezer for the 4 products listed above.
3. TOSS OR RETURN:
   • Throw them in the trash (seal the bag first so no one else eats them).
   • OR return to Publix for a full refund (no receipt needed).
4. IF UNSURE: If you froze berries in a different container and can’t tell if they’re the recalled ones—THROW THEM OUT. "When in doubt, throw it out."
5. CLEAN: Wash and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that touched the berries. Follow FDA’s safe handling advice.

For Restaurants, Retailers & Food Service:

1. Stop selling/serving immediately.
2. Remove from inventory.
3. Clean & sanitize all surfaces, bins, scoops, freezers, etc.
4. If you repackaged these berries into smaller bags—do not sell them.

What Is the FDA Doing?

• Investigating the source of contamination at the farm in Chile (Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.).
• Conducted a remote inspection of the Chilean facility and reviewed their safety records.
• Issued Import Alert 99-35: Future shipments of frozen blueberries from this company will be detained at the border until they prove the problem is fixed.
• Working with CDC & state health departments to track illnesses.
• Updating this advisory as new info comes in.

CRITICAL SAFETY CALLOUT

DO NOT TASTE TEST the berries to see if they’re "okay."
DO NOT COOK them thinking heat will fix it (toxins may remain).
DO NOT FEED them to pets.

Just throw them away or return them.
Then wash your hands and clean your freezer.

Summary

• Publix recalled ALL lots of 4 GreenWise Organic Frozen Berry products (2 blueberry, 2 mixed berry) due to possible E. coli O145:H28 contamination.
• 12 people sick (11 in FL, 1 in GA), 4 hospitalized, 0 deaths.
• Sold in 8 Southeastern states (AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA).
• Check your freezer using the UPC codes. If you have them → Trash or Return for Refund.
• Clean anything the berries touched.
• Call your doctor if you have symptoms.
• Investigation ongoing—more updates to come.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. I ate some of these berries last week and feel fine. Should I worry?

Most people get sick within 1–9 days. If it’s been over 9 days and you’re fine, you’re likely in the clear. But if any symptoms start, call your doctor and mention the recall.

2. Can I just wash the berries and eat them?

NO. Washing frozen berries doesn’t remove bacteria that are inside the fruit or toxins already produced. Do not eat them.

3. I bought a big 48oz bag but only used half. The rest is in a Ziploc bag with no label. What now?

Throw it out. If you can’t prove it’s not the recalled product, assume it is. Not worth the risk.

4. Are fresh GreenWise blueberries or other Publix fruits affected?

No. This recall is only for the 4 specific frozen products listed above. Fresh berries, other frozen fruits, and other brands are not involved.

5. How do I report my illness or a problem with the product?

• Sick? Contact your healthcare provider.
• Report to FDA: Visit FDA Human Foods Program Assistance or call your local FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator.
• Follow @FDAfood on X (Twitter) for real-time updates.

Article based on FDA Advisory updated July 30, 2026. Information subject to change as investigation continues.