Publix recalls even more fruit linked to sicknesses in an E. coli outbreak

Publix recalled all lots of two GreenWise frozen fruit products with organic blueberries linked to an outbreak of a potentially deadly form of E. coli.

This covers 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags of both GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries sold in stores in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia.

July started with Chilean manufacturer Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., recalling only lot No. 60401 of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries after the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services told the Centers for Disease Control about a cluster of E. coli illnesses.

But, in posting that recall, Publix included its recommendation that customers dump or return all Greenwise Whole Blueberries bought before July 3.

Wednesday’s recall expansion by Publix puts muscle behind that recommendation.

“Based on the public health officials’ product traceback and epidemiological information,” the supermarket chain’s announcement said, “Publix is now taking further action out of an abundance of caution to recall all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries.”

“Check your freezers for recalled berries and throw them away or return the product to the place of purchase,” Thursday’s update from the Food and Drug Administration stated. “If you froze a product without the original packaging and can’t tell if it’s part of the recall, throw it away.”

Whether returning it or putting it with the refuse, do not serve it or eat it. E. coli O145:H28 is a Shiga-toxin form of E. coli, so in addition to bloody diarrhea, vomiting and stomaches, it can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). That’s a form of kidney failure that can turn E. coli into a fatal foodborne illness.

Direct questions about the recall to Publix at 800-242-1227, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday’s CDC update on the outbreak showed no change in people sickened (12), hospitalized (four) and their home states (Florida for 11, Georgia for one).

Children under 5, adults over 65 and people with damaged immune systems tend to get the worst of E. coli.

The Palm Beach County couple who has filed a lawsuit against Publix over their E. coli illnesses, Roberta Cash and Oscar Cash, are 88 and 89, respectively.

This story was originally published July 30, 2026 at 6:02 PM with the headline “Publix recalls even more fruit linked to sicknesses in an E. coli outbreak.”