FDA Upgrades Publix Blueberry Recall to Highest Risk Level on August 22

The Food and Drug Administration upgraded a recall of GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix to Class 1 status on August 19, the agency’s highest health risk level. The recall stems from E. coli contamination linked to 12 confirmed illnesses across Florida and Georgia, with 4 people hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. The affected products were distributed to Publix stores in eight states and should be discarded or returned for a full refund.

What products are affected

The recall covers all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold at Publix. Four specific products are named: 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages of whole blueberries (UPC 41415-06453 and 41415-12053), and 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages of mixed berries (UPC 41415-06753 and 41415-12153). All affected products have expiration dates before February 9, 2028. The frozen fruit was shipped to Publix locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Why the FDA escalated the recall

The FDA classified the recall as Class 1, meaning there is a reasonable probability that exposure to the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The strain involved is E. coli O145. According to the CDC, the outbreak has sickened 12 people in two states, with 4 hospitalized as of late July. Publix initially announced the recall on July 29 after its supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., flagged one lot of contaminated blueberries in early July.

Health risks and symptoms

E. coli infection causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Symptoms typically appear three to four days after exposure. In severe cases, particularly for immunocompromised people, the bacteria can trigger hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening condition where clots form throughout the body and can lead to kidney failure. Consumers experiencing symptoms should contact their health care providers immediately.

What consumers should do now

Anyone who purchased the recalled GreenWise blueberries or mixed berries should check their freezers immediately. The products should not be eaten. Consumers can discard them or return them to any Publix store for a full refund, no receipt required. Publix has implemented an internal stop sale and the products have been removed from store shelves as of late June 2026. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed the recalled products were not distributed in Canada.

Final Thoughts

Consumers with GreenWise frozen blueberries or mixed berries in their freezers should discard or return them immediately. The Class 1 designation reflects the serious health risk posed by E. coli contamination. Full refunds are available at Publix.

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