Walmart Great Value Berry Recall Expands to 16 States Over E. Coli Risk

Walmart is recalling Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend across 16 states after potential E. coli O145 contamination was detected. The 10-ounce frozen berry packages, which contain strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, carry lot code 6040 01-6 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028. No illnesses have been linked to this specific product, but the FDA confirmed 17 people infected with the outbreak strain in Florida and Georgia, with 6 hospitalizations.

What the recall covers

The recall affects Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold at Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. The product comes in 10-ounce packages with UPC 7874211226. Consumers should check for lot code 6040 01-6 on the front of the package and the best-by date of February 9, 2028.

Why the recall happened

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a Chilean company, expanded its earlier recall of frozen organic blueberries announced in July to include the triple berry blend. The expansion came after traceback information linked the product to potential E. coli O145 contamination. The FDA confirmed on September 3 that 17 people were infected with the outbreak strain in Florida and Georgia, with 6 hospitalizations and 11 of 13 interviewed consumers reporting consumption of frozen blueberries.

Health risks and symptoms

E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing bacterium that causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody) and vomiting. Most healthy people recover within a week. However, vulnerable populations including young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can cause kidney failure.

What consumers should do

Customers who purchased the affected product should discard it or return it to Walmart for a full refund. Walmart said it moved swiftly to remove the product from stores and implemented a sales block at registers and online. The FDA advises consumers to check their freezers for packages matching the lot code and best-by date.

Walmart’s response

A Walmart representative stated that safety is a top priority and the company removes impacted products from stores immediately upon notification of recalls. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur is working with regulatory authorities to address the contamination issue.

Final Thoughts

With no illnesses yet linked to the triple berry blend itself, the recall remains precautionary. Walmart customers in the 16 affected states should verify their freezer inventory against the lot code and best-by date, then discard or return the product for a refund.

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