Blueberries Recalled by Publix as E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 12
WHO:
WSFA - The recall was initiated by the Chilean company Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.
Fox Business - The affected product is sold at Publix grocery stores.
WHAT:
Fast Company - The CDC reported that out of the 12 confirmed E. coli cases, 4 individuals required hospitalization.
Fast Company - The outbreak has been linked to illnesses reported in two states: Florida (11 cases) and Georgia (1 case).
WSFA - Publix urges customers to check their freezers and to return or throw away any frozen GreenWise blueberry products with a purchase date of July 3 or earlier.
WSFA - The recalled blueberries have a lot code of 60401.
Fox Business - E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain of the bacteria that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and vomiting.
Fox Business - Infections can lead to a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
WSFA - Publix recalled 10-ounce bags of frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries due to a connection with multiple E. coli cases.
Fox Business - There have been 12 confirmed illnesses associated with E. coli O145:H28 infections reported between May 11 and June 5.
Fox Business - Consumers are advised to discard the affected blueberries or return them for a full refund.
WHERE:
WSFA - The recalled blueberries were distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
WHEN:
WSFA - The recall was announced on July 3.
WSFA - The confirmed E. coli cases occurred between May 11 and June 5.
WSFA - The affected products have a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028.
WHY:
Fox Business - The recall was initiated after reports of illnesses among consumers who had eaten the product.
HOW:
Fast Company - Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. instructed customers receiving the affected lot to immediately isolate the product and notify any downstream customers who may have received it.
Fox Business - Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. is working with regulators and retail partners while investigating the source of the potential contamination.
Fox Business - Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. instructed customers who received the affected lot to remove it from distribution while investigating the source of the potential contamination.
(UPDATED July 7, 2026 15:53 UTC)
The CDC has reported twelve confirmed cases of E. coli, with four individuals requiring hospitalization, linked to an outbreak primarily affecting Florida and Georgia. Specifically, Florida has seen eleven cases while Georgia has reported one. In response, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. has advised customers who received the affected lot to isolate the product and inform any downstream customers who may have received it.
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(UPDATED July 7, 2026 13:42 UTC)
Publix is urging customers to check their freezers for any frozen GreenWise blueberry products that have a purchase date of July 3 or earlier. The company is advising customers to either return these products or throw them away. This announcement was made at 13:42 UTC by WSFA.
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(UPDATED July 7, 2026 11:50 UTC)
A recall has been issued for blueberries with the lot code 60401 due to concerns about E. coli O145, a strain that can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Infections from this bacteria can lead to serious complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly affecting young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. is currently collaborating with regulators and retail partners to investigate the source of the potential contamination.
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(UPDATED July 7, 2026 06:23 UTC)
Publix has recalled 10-ounce bags of frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries due to a link with multiple E. coli cases, with 12 confirmed illnesses reported between May 11 and June 5. The affected blueberries, distributed to stores in several states including Alabama and Florida, should be discarded or returned for a full refund, and they have a best-by date of February 9, 2028. The recall was initiated by the Chilean company Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. after reports of illnesses among consumers who had eaten the product.