Supermarket chain Publix has issued a recall for its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, available as frozen blueberries in Florida and seven other southeastern U.S. states, after 12 cases of gastrointestinal illness were linked to a dangerous strain of E. coli.
The recall was voluntarily initiated by the Chilean company Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., the supplier of the product. It specifically affects the 10-ounce bags with lot No. 60401, which have an expiration date of February 9, 2028.
Publix extended the warning on its website: "Publix advises customers to return or dispose of any GreenWise frozen blueberries purchased on or before Friday, July 3, 2026."
The recall impacts stores located in eight states: Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, and Tennessee.
Details on E. coli Contamination
The supplier explained that the decision was made "after receiving reports from consumers who experienced digestive illnesses and had consumed GreenWise frozen blueberries as part of their diet."
The notice specifies that "12 cases of consumers suffering from stomach illnesses between May 11, 2026, and June 5, 2026, have been confirmed, linked to infections by E. coli O145:H28."
The identified strain, E. coli O145:H28, falls under the category of Shiga toxin-producing bacteria, recognized as among the most dangerous within this type of pathogens.
Besides causing bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and severe abdominal cramps in most affected individuals, these strains are highly likely to trigger hemolytic uremic syndrome, a form of kidney failure that can be deadly.
Consumer Action and Company History
People who have the product in their freezer should check it immediately and return it to the store for a full refund.
For questions regarding the recall, consumers can email Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or call 336-899-5612, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time.
This incident is not the first recall involving Publix in recent months. In May 2026, the chain was part of a recall for Zapp's and Dirty brand potato chips due to potential salmonella contamination, and in October 2025, it was involved in the massive recall of over 1.5 million bags of shredded cheese at risk of containing metal fragments distributed across 31 states and Puerto Rico.
Authorities urge consumers to check their freezers urgently, as the product has an expiration date in 2028 and could remain stored for months without the buyer being alerted.
Key Questions About the E. coli Blueberry Recall
What should consumers do if they have purchased the recalled blueberries?
Consumers should check their freezers and return the recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries to the store for a full refund.
How can consumers contact the company for more information?
Consumers can email Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or call 336-899-5612, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, for further inquiries.
Which states are affected by the blueberry recall?
The recall impacts stores in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, and Tennessee.