FDA Reports 17 E. coli Cases Linked to Contaminated Frozen Blueberries in Multi-State Recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported on Thursday that the total number of E. coli cases linked to recalled frozen blueberries has risen to 17.

Illnesses were reported between May 11 and August 2 in the states of Florida and Georgia. To date, six individuals have been hospitalized, with no fatalities reported.

In July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA initiated an investigation into an E. coli outbreak associated with frozen blueberries following a voluntary recall by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile.

Later that month, Publix recalled all GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries due to potential E. coli contamination.

On Wednesday, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. expanded its July recall to include one lot of Great Value brand frozen organic mixed berry products sold at Walmart.

The affected products were sold in 10-ounce packages with lot code 6040 01-6 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028, according to the FDA.

The FDA advises consumers not to consume, sell, or serve the specified lots of recalled Great Value frozen berries or recalled GreenWise frozen berries.

These products have been distributed across 19 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Consumers are advised by the FDA to inspect their freezers for any of the recalled products and dispose of them or return them to the point of purchase for a refund.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection can emerge within a few days to nine days after consuming contaminated food, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

In severe cases, some E. coli infections can result in life-threatening complications such as hemorrhagic colitis, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure, according to the FDA.

The federal agency recommends that individuals who have consumed the recalled frozen berry products and are experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection should immediately seek medical attention from healthcare providers.

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