MOREHEAD, Ky. — Kentucky shoppers who have purchased GreenWise frozen berries from Publix are being urged to check their freezers after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an expanded recall involving several frozen berry products that may be contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O145:H28.
The recall now includes all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries sold at Publix stores in Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Recalled Products
The affected products include:
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries (10-ounce package)
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries (48-ounce package)
GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (10-ounce package)
GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (48-ounce package)
The expanded recall follows an ongoing public health investigation into an outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 infections. Federal health officials have confirmed 12 illnesses associated with the outbreak, including several hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.
What Consumers Should Do
Anyone who has the recalled frozen berries should not eat them. Consumers are advised to either throw the products away or return them to a Publix store for a full refund. Even though the products have been removed from store shelves, they may still be stored in home freezers.
Symptoms of E. coli Infection
Symptoms of an E. coli infection can include:
Severe stomach cramps
Diarrhea, which may be bloody
Vomiting
Nausea
Fever
Most healthy adults recover within about a week. However, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing serious complications, including a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Anyone who develops symptoms after consuming the recalled berries should contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Customers with questions about the recall may contact Publix Customer Care at (800) 242-1227.