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

Walmart’s Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend has been recalled across 16 states due to possible E. coli O145 contamination. The 10-ounce frozen berry product, distributed by Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., is part of a broader outbreak investigation that has infected 17 people and hospitalized six as of September 3. No illnesses have been linked to the Walmart product specifically, but consumers should check their freezers and return affected items for a full refund.

What was recalled and where

Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, a 10-ounce frozen mix of strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries, was shipped to Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. The affected lot carries UPC 7874211226, lot code 6040 01-6, and a best-by date of February 9, 2028. Walmart has removed the product from shelves and blocked sales both in-store and online.

The E. coli outbreak timeline

The outbreak began in July when Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. recalled frozen organic blueberries sold under Publix’s GreenWise brand. On September 2, the supplier expanded the recall to include the Walmart Great Value product after traceback information linked its blueberries to the original contamination. As of September 3, the outbreak had sickened 17 people across Florida and Georgia, with six requiring hospitalization and no deaths reported, according to the CDC.

Health risks and symptoms

E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain that causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Most healthy people recover within a week, but young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals face risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication. Symptoms can appear within a few days to nine days after eating contaminated food. Consumers should seek medical care if they experience bloody diarrhea, vomiting lasting more than two days, bloody urine, fever above 102°F, or signs of dehydration.

What consumers should do

Anyone with the recalled product should not consume it, even if it appears normal and remains frozen. The FDA recommends discarding the product or returning it to Walmart for a full refund. Consumers should also clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that contacted the berries. Those who ate the recalled berries and develop E. coli symptoms should contact a healthcare provider. The FDA and CDC continue investigating the multistate outbreak.

Final Thoughts

The Walmart Great Value recall underscores ongoing food safety risks in frozen produce supply chains. With no illnesses yet tied to the Walmart product itself, the precautionary action reflects lessons learned from the earlier Publix outbreak. Consumers in affected states should verify lot codes and seek refunds immediately.

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