Published: 19:51 BST, 19 August 2026 | Updated: 19:54 BST, 19 August 2026
A recall of frozen blueberries has been upgraded to the FDA's highest warning level over potential deadly bacterial contamination.
Last month, Chile-based Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur SA issued a recall for its GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries after tests showed a presumptive positive result for E. coli, a type of bacteria that causes bloody diarrhea.
Publix later expanded the recall and pulled all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The FDA said at the end of June 2026, Publix conducted an internal stop sale of the berries.
Now, the agency has classified the recall as Class I, which represents 'a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.'
As of July 30, the FDA has reported 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, including four hospitalizations. No deaths have been recorded.
Publix said it recalled the products because they may have been contaminated with E. coli O145, which produces dangerous Shiga toxins that harm the gut lining and lead to severe stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting.
A recall of frozen blueberries has been upgraded to the FDA's most serious warning due to potentially deadly bacteria
While most people recover from E. coli on their own within a week, children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems can be more prone to a life-threatening kidney complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure.
The illnesses began between May 11 and June 5, according to the FDA, and the agency's investigation is still ongoing.
The FDA states seven of the nine individuals who were interviewed reported eating the frozen blueberries. Of those, five specified GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries from Publix.
No other details have been reported about those sickened.
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries were sold in 10oz and 48oz bags with UPCs 41415-06453 and 41415-12053, respectively. GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries were also sold in 10oz and 48oz bags with the UPCs 41415-06753 and 41415-12153.
E. coli typically comes from undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy and raw produce like apples, cucumbers and sprouts.