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E. Coli Scare: Publix Widens GreenWise Berry Recall — Check Your Freezer
Publix Recalls Frozen Berries Over E. Coli Concerns: What You Need to Know
What Happened?
Publix Super Markets has announced a voluntary recall of all lots of its GreenWise Organic frozen berry products. This comes after health officials linked these berries to a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O145—a harmful bacteria that can make people very sick.
IMPORTANT CALLOUT
Do not eat these berries. If you have them in your freezer, throw them away or return them to Publix for a full refund. This recall covers every single lot—not just a specific batch.
Which Products Are Recalled?
The recall includes four specific products under the GreenWise Organic brand. Check your freezer for these exact items:
| Product Name | Package 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 |
How to check: Look at the back of the bag for the UPC code (the numbers under the barcode). If it matches one of the numbers above, it is part of the recall.
Where Were They Sold?
These frozen berries were distributed to Publix stores in eight states:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
Publix operates over 1,400 stores across these states.
Why Is This Recall Happening?
This is an expansion of an earlier recall.
- July 3: A Chilean supplier (Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.) recalled a single lot of GreenWise Organic Blueberries.
- Now: After further investigation by public health officials (traceback and epidemiological studies), Publix decided to pull ALL lots of both Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries "out of an abundance of caution."
- Action Taken: Publix stopped selling these items at the end of June. They are currently not available for purchase in stores.
What Is E. Coli O145? (ELI5 Explanation)
E. coli (short for Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria. Most are harmless and live in your gut right now. But O145:H28 is a "Shiga toxin-producing" strain (STEC). Think of it as a "bad guy" bacteria that produces a poison (toxin).
What happens if you eat it?
Symptoms usually start 3–4 days after eating contaminated food and can include:
- Severe stomach cramps (like a really bad tummy ache)
- Diarrhea (often bloody)
- Vomiting
- Low-grade fever (sometimes)
Who is at highest risk?
While most healthy adults recover in about a week, this strain can cause a serious complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
- HUS damages the kidneys and can require hospitalization.
- Most vulnerable: Young children (under 5), older adults (65+), and people with weakened immune systems.
What Should You Do If You Have These Products?
Follow these simple steps immediately:
- STOP: Do not eat the berries. Do not cook them (heat might not fix the toxin). Do not feed them to pets.
- CHECK: Verify the UPC code on the bag matches the table above.
- DISPOSE OR RETURN:
- Option A: Throw the bag in the trash (seal it in a bag first so animals/kids can’t get to it).
- Option B: Return the product to any Publix store for a full refund (no receipt needed).
- CLEAN: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the packaging. Wash any containers or surfaces the bag touched with hot, soapy water.
- WATCH: Monitor yourself and family for symptoms (cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting) for the next 10 days. If symptoms appear, call a doctor immediately and mention the recall.
How to Get Help or More Info
- Publix Customer Care: Call 1-800-242-1227
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET
- Outbreak Investigation Updates: Visit the CDC website (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) for the latest on the multi-state investigation.
Summary
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Publix Super Markets (Employee-owned, 1,400+ stores) |
| What | GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries & Whole Mixed Berries (Frozen) |
| Why | Potential contamination with E. coli O145:H28 (Shiga toxin-producing) |
| Scope | ALL LOTS recalled (Expanded from single-lot recall) |
| States Affected | AL, FL, GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, VA |
| Action Required | Do not eat. Return for refund or throw away. |
| Health Risk | Severe cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting. Risk of kidney failure (HUS) in vulnerable groups. |
| Refund Contact | 1-800-242-1227 (Any Publix store accepts returns) |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. I already ate some of these berries. What should I do?
Don’t panic. Most healthy people recover on their own within a week. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Call your doctor if you develop severe symptoms: bloody diarrhea, fever over 102°F, signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, little/no urination), or extreme fatigue. Tell the doctor you may have been exposed to E. coli O145 via recalled berries.
2. Can I just cook the berries to make them safe?
No. While cooking kills the bacteria, the Shiga toxin they produce is heat-stable. It may not be destroyed by normal cooking temperatures. Do not attempt to cook or bake with these berries.
3. Are fresh berries or other Publix brands affected?
No. This recall only applies to the four specific GreenWise Organic Frozen products listed above (specific UPC codes). Fresh berries, other frozen fruits, and other brands are not part of this recall.
4. Do I need a receipt to get a refund?
No. Publix has stated you can return the product to any Publix store for a full refund without a receipt.
5. What is "Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome" (HUS)?
It is a rare but serious complication where the toxin destroys red blood cells and damages the kidneys. It usually happens about a week after the diarrhea starts, just as the person is starting to feel better. Signs include: peeing very little, extreme tiredness, pale skin, and unexplained bruising. It is a medical emergency—go to the ER immediately if suspected.
