Popular grocery chain recalls frozen blueberries after E. coli illnesses reported in eight states 

Publix shoppers are being urged to check their freezers after a recall was issued for a popular frozen blueberry product linked to multiple cases of E. coli illness.

The recall affects a single lot of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries sold at Publix stores in eight Southern states after reports of consumers becoming sick. Health officials say the product may be contaminated with E. coli O145:H28, a strain that can cause severe foodborne illness.

Twelve illnesses prompt recall

The recall was initiated by Chile-based supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. after 12 confirmed illnesses were reported between May 11 and June 5, 2026. According to the company, reports of digestive illnesses among consumers who had eaten the frozen blueberries prompted the voluntary recall. 

The affected product is 10-ounce GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028. No other lot codes or best-by dates are included in the recall. The blueberries were distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. 

Customers urged not to eat recalled berries

Publix is advising customers who purchased the affected blueberries to discard the product or return it to their local store for a full refund. The retailer said no other GreenWise frozen blueberry products are affected. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody and vomiting.

While many healthy adults recover within about a week, infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can affect the kidneys, particularly in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

The supplier said it is working with regulators and customers to investigate the source of the contamination and prevent additional illnesses.

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