Fruit recalled at GA Publix grocery stores after stomach illness reports

Publix has recalled a batch of GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries sold in Georgia and seven other states after the product was linked to E.coli across multiple states.

The outbreak has sickened 12 people and hospitalized four, according to a recall notice from supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.

Florida’s Department of Health alerted the CDC on July 1 to a cluster of E. coli cases, and Publix conducted an internal stop-sale once Florida shared its findings.;

The Chilean supplier, based in San Carlos, announced the formal recall July 3, and the FDA and CDC are now investigating the outbreak jointly.

One lot has been recalled

Only one specific lot is affected, so check your freezer before you eat or toss anything. However, Publix is also advising customers to discard or return any GreenWise frozen blueberries bought on or before July 3, 2026, even outside that lot code.

• GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries, 10-ounce package
• Lot code 60401, best-by date Feb. 9, 2028
• Sold in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia

Recorded illnesses

• 12 confirmed cases across two states
• 4 people hospitalized
• 0 deaths reported
• 7 of 9 interviewed patients reported eating frozen blueberries
• 5 specifically naming the GreenWise product

What this strain of E. coli does

The O145:H28 strain of E. coli isn’t a mild strain. It’s a Shiga toxin producer, in the same family that causes the dangerous kidney complications.

But only 5-10% of cases progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially fatal kidney complication most dangerous for kids, older adults and immunocompromised people.

Symptoms:

Onset can take up to nine days after exposure, but can present in just a few.

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If you find any of the defective berries in your freezer, don’t eat them. You can return them to any Publix for a full refund, or discard and questions go to the supplier.

If you have any questions or would like to read more about something, email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.