If you have a bag of GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries from Publix in your freezer, check the bag right now.
Federal authorities are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to frozen GreenWise-brand organic blueberries sold at Publix markets. Twelve people in two states have been infected, with four hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.
GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries were recalled by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a company in San Carlos, Chile, on July 3, 2026. Publix is recalling the 10-ounce packages of the blueberries from stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Why This Matters
E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strain — the same category as the E. coli O157:H7 that has caused serious national outbreaks in the past. This strain causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may become bloody), and vomiting. It can lead to severe complications for some people.
The most serious complication is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) — a potentially fatal condition involving kidney failure that occurs most often in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Frozen blueberries present a specific risk that fresh produce does not: they are often added directly to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt without being cooked — meaning no heat treatment eliminates any contamination before consumption.
What We Know So Far
On July 1, the Florida Department of Health notified the CDC about an ongoing investigation into a cluster of E. coli illnesses. Based on interviews with sick people, the GreenWise berries were identified as the leading food item of interest. Florida shared findings with Publix and, in response, Publix immediately conducted an internal stop sale of the product.
The FDA confirmed 12 cases of consumers experiencing stomach illness between May 11, 2026, and June 5, 2026, all linked with E. coli O145:H28 infections. There have been 11 cases in Florida and one in Georgia. Of nine people interviewed, seven reported eating frozen blueberries, and five specified the GreenWise brand from Publix.
Chile-based supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. announced the recall on July 3 after receiving reports of illnesses among consumers who had eaten the product.
Where the Risk Is Highest
The recall covers Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. If you purchased GreenWise organic frozen blueberries from Publix in any of these states before July 3, 2026, your bag may be affected.
The recalled product:
- Product : GreenWise Organic IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) Blueberries
- Size : 10-ounce bags
- Lot code : 60401 (also listed as 6040 01); GTIN : 4141506453
- Best-by date : February 9, 2028
- Sold at : Publix stores in the eight states listed above
Publix is advising customers to return or throw away affected GreenWise frozen blueberries purchased on or before July 3, 2026. No other lot numbers or best-by dates are included in the recall.
What Doctors and Experts Say
STEC infections require no treatment for most healthy adults — the condition typically resolves within 5 to 7 days. However, clinicians managing affected patients must avoid prescribing antibiotics and anti-motility drugs (such as loperamide) for STEC infections; both can increase the risk of developing HUS by slowing the elimination of bacteria and toxins.
Physicians should specifically consider HUS in children under 10 and adults over 65 who present with bloody diarrhea, decreased urine output, or pallor following a recent E. coli illness. HUS can develop 5 to 10 days after the initial gastrointestinal illness appears to be resolving.
What the Evidence Shows — and What It Does Not
MedicalDaily Evidence Check
- Pathogen: E. coli O145:H28 (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, STEC)
- Confirmed ill: 12 cases (11 in Florida, 1 in Georgia)
- Hospitalizations: 4; Deaths: 0
- Illness dates: May 11 through June 5, 2026
- Product: GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries, 10-oz bags, lot 60401, best-by Feb. 9, 2028
- Source: Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile
- What it shows: Epidemiological evidence strongly links the illness cluster to this product; 5 of 9 interviewed patients confirmed the GreenWise brand
- What readers should know: Do not eat the recalled product even if it has been thawed; return it to Publix for a full refund
Who Faces the Greatest Risk?
The populations most vulnerable to serious outcomes from this E. coli strain include:
- Children under 10 years old — highest risk of developing HUS
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant people
- Immunocompromised individuals (cancer treatment, HIV, organ transplants)
- People with chronic kidney disease
Symptoms and Warning Signs to Watch For
E. coli O145 symptoms typically begin 1 to 9 days after consuming contaminated food:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea (which may become bloody after 1 to 2 days)
- Vomiting
- Fever (usually not high)
Seek emergency care immediately if anyone who has consumed the recalled product develops decreased urine output, pale or yellow skin, unexplained bruising or bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or confusion — these may indicate HUS, a medical emergency requiring hospitalization.
What You Can Do Now
- Check your freezer now. Look for GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries in 10-oz bags. If the lot code reads 60401 and the best-by date reads February 9, 2028 , do not eat the product.
- Discard or return it. Throw it away in a sealed bag, or return it to any Publix for a full refund.
- Do not consume even if thawed — E. coli is not killed by thawing.
- Watch for symptoms in anyone who consumed the product in the past few weeks.
- If you develop severe symptoms, contact your physician and mention the recalled blueberries. For serious symptoms, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
- Contact the manufacturer with questions: Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or 336-899-5612, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET.
What Happens Next
The FDA and CDC are continuing the joint outbreak investigation. Additional states, lot numbers, or products may be added to the recall scope as the traceback investigation progresses. MedicalDaily will report immediately on any changes to the recall scope or confirmed case count.
The Bottom Line
If you have GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries from Publix with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028, do not eat them. Return them to Publix for a full refund. If anyone in your household consumed the product in the past several weeks and develops severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, or decreased urine output, seek medical care immediately.
