Publix recalls more fruit linked to stomach illness at NC grocery stores
Publix is recalling additional lots of GreenWise frozen berries in North Carolina and elsewhere because they could be contaminated with a form of E. coli known to cause severe stomach illness — and even death.
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The expanded recall, announced July 29, includes 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags of GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries, according to a notice posted on the grocer’s website.
The affected berries were shipped to Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
It comes weeks after Chilean company Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. recalled bags of frozen Greenwise Organic IQF Blueberries with Lot Code 60401 in early July due to possible E. coli O145 contamination, The Miami Herald reported.
That particular strain produces Shiga toxin, which, in addition to severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, can lead to life-threatening kidney complications known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Symptoms usually begin three or four days after exposure, experts say. Cases of E. coli and other foodborne illnesses tend to rise in the summer, and young kids, the elderly and adults with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of serious illness.
“Based on the public health officials’ product traceback and epidemiological information, Publix is now taking further action out of an abundance of caution,” the supermarket said in its updated notice.
Customers are advised to trash the affected fruit or return it to the store for a full refund.
As of July 30, there were 12 confirmed cases of stomach illness and four hospitalizations tied to the ongoing outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far, no one in North Carolina has been sickened, data show.
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Beyond frozen berries, many NC shoppers are also steering clear of lettuce and other leafy greens amid rising cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection known to cause explosive diarrhea.
Since July 21, there have been 157 newly reported cases and eight new hospitalizations, according to the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
The recent E. coli outbreak involving Publix frozen fruit and cyclosporiasis-related illnesses are not related.
The grocery store chain’s updated frozen fruit recall includes:
E. coli outbreaks in the U.S. are often linked to “raw or undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized juice and leafy greens,” according to NC DPHHS. These infections lead to 265,000 illnesses and 100 deaths every year.
To avoid getting sick, health experts recommend practicing good hygiene — especially washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.
Additional questions or concerns about the recalled berries can be directed to Publix Customer Care at (800) 242-1227, or customers can visit the CDC website for more information on the ongoing E. coli outbreak.
This was inspired by a story published in The Miami Herald.
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