FDA Issues Highest Risk Warning for Recalled Blueberries and Mixed Berries Due to E. Coli Contamination

Important Callout: Do not eat these products! If you have any of the recalled berries, throw them away immediately or return them to the store for a refund. Even if they look and smell fine, they could make you very sick.

What Happened?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued its most serious warning—called a Class I recall—for four GreenWise brand berry products sold at Publix supermarkets. This warning means there’s a reasonable chance that eating these berries could cause serious health problems or even death.

Which Products Are Recalled?

Check your freezer for these exact items:

• All lots of these products were recalled on July 29.
• They were shipped to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

What Is the Danger? (E. Coli O145)

The berries may be contaminated with a specific germ called E. coli O145.

ELI5: What is E. coli?

Think of E. coli as a big family of tiny bacteria (germs) that live in the intestines of people and animals.

• Most family members are harmless—they actually help keep your gut healthy.
• But a few "bad cousins" (like O145) make dangerous toxins (poisons).
• This specific bad cousin is a STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli). Its toxin can damage the lining of your intestines and, in severe cases, cause Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)—a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure.

How Does It Get on Berries?

It usually happens when poop (fecal matter) from wildlife, livestock, or humans gets into the water or soil where the food grows, or if someone handling the food didn’t wash their hands well.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Anyone can get sick, but these groups have a much higher chance of severe illness:

• Children under 5 years old
• Adults over 65 years old
• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., from cancer treatment, HIV, or transplant medications)

Current Outbreak Status (As of July 30)

• 12 confirmed illnesses (in Florida and Georgia).
• 4 people hospitalized.
• 0 deaths reported.
• Illnesses started between May 11 and June 5.
• The FDA investigation is still ongoing.

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

1. Check Your Freezer: Look for the GreenWise products listed in the table above.
2. Compare UPC Codes: Find the barcode on the bag and match it to the numbers in the table.
3. If They Match: DO NOT EAT THEM.
4. Dispose or Return: Throw them in the trash (sealed in a bag so others/animals can’t eat them) OR return them to Publix for a full refund.
5. If Unsure, Throw It Out: If you took the berries out of the bag and aren’t sure if they are the recalled ones, throw them away. "When in doubt, throw it out."
6. Clean Up: Wash and sanitize any containers, countertops, or freezer drawers that touched the recalled berries. Use hot, soapy water followed by a sanitizer (like a diluted bleach solution or kitchen sanitizer spray).
7. Watch for Symptoms: If you ate these berries, watch for signs of infection (see below) and call a doctor immediately if they appear.

Symptoms of E. Coli Infection

Symptoms usually start 3–4 days after eating the contaminated food (but can be 1–10 days later).

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Vomiting
• Fever (usually low-grade, under 101°F / 38.5°C)

Important Callout: Call a doctor immediately if you have:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days.
• Bloody diarrhea.
• High fever (over 102°F / 38.9°C).
• Signs of dehydration (peeing very little, dry mouth, dizziness).
• Symptoms of HUS (Kidney Emergency): Peeing very little, extreme tiredness, losing pink color in cheeks/eyelids, unexplained bruising.

The Bigger Picture: Food Safety Matters

This recall happens while experts are sounding the alarm on food safety globally. A recent World Health Organization study found that foodborne parasites alone caused ~171 million illnesses worldwide between 2000 and 2021.

While E. coli is a bacterium (not a parasite) and this specific outbreak isn’t linked to that study, both remind us that harmful germs in our food supply are a constant, serious risk. It highlights why surveillance, farm sanitation, and fast outbreak investigations are critical.

Summary

• FDA Class I Recall: Highest danger level for 4 GreenWize berry products at Publix.
• Hazard: Possible E. coli O145 contamination (can cause severe illness, kidney failure, death).
• Action: Do not eat. Check UPC codes. Throw away or return to Publix. Clean surfaces.
• Health: 12 sick, 4 hospitalized so far. High risk for kids, elderly, immunocompromised.
• Symptoms: Bad cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting. See a doctor fast if severe.

FAQ

1. I ate some of these berries last week and feel fine. Am I safe?

Likely yes. If it’s been more than 10 days since you ate them and you had no symptoms, you are likely in the clear. The typical window for getting sick is 1–10 days (usually 3–4 days).

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

NO. Washing does not remove E. coli O145 effectively enough to make the berries safe. The bacteria can stick tightly to the fruit and hide in tiny crevices. The only safe action is to throw them out or return them.

3. Does cooking the berries (like in a pie or smoothie) kill the bacteria?

Yes, thorough cooking (to 165°F / 74°C) kills E. coli. However, do not attempt this with recalled products. Cross-contamination risk in your kitchen (spreading germs to counters, utensils, other foods) is too high. It’s not worth the risk—just discard them.

4. Are other GreenWise or Publix products affected?

Currently, ONLY the four specific products listed above with those exact UPC codes are recalled. Other GreenWise items, other berry brands, or fresh berries at Publix are not part of this recall unless a new announcement is made.

5. How can I stay updated on this recall?

• Visit the FDA Recalls website (fda.gov/safety/recalls).
• Check Publix’s recall page (publix.com/recalls).
• Sign up for FDA recall alerts via email.