Publix shoppers across the Carolinas are being urged to check their freezers after the grocery chain dramatically expanded a recall of frozen berries linked to an E. coli outbreak.
Publix has recalled all lot codes of four GreenWise Organic frozen berry products that were sold in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.
The expanded recall includes:
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10 oz — UPC 41415-06453
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48 oz — UPC 41415-12053
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10 oz — UPC 41415-06753
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48 oz — UPC 41415-12153
Publix said it removed the products from store shelves at the end of June, and they are no longer available for purchase.
The expanded recall follows an earlier action on July 3, when supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. recalled a single lot of 10-ounce frozen blueberries after 12 confirmed E. coli infections were linked to the product between May 11 and June 5.
Based on additional traceback investigations and epidemiological data from public health officials, Publix has now expanded the recall to include all lots of both frozen blueberry and mixed berry products.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. coli infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody or watery, and vomiting. While most healthy people recover within about a week, young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of developing serious complications, including kidney failure.
Customers who purchased any of the recalled products should not eat them. Instead, they should throw them away or return them to their local Publix store for a full refund.
