Fruit sold at major grocery chain recalled after 12 sickened with E. coli

Consumers who shop at Publix are being urged to check their freezers after one lot of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries was voluntarily recalled over concerns it may be contaminated with E. coli.

Chile-based supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. announced the recall on July 3 after receiving reports of illnesses among consumers who had eaten the product, according to a recall notice posted by Publix.

The recalled blueberries were distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

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The recall applies only to 10-ounce GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028. No other lot codes or best-by dates are included in the recall.

According to the recall notice, there have been reports of 12 confirmed illnesses associated with E. coli O145:H28 infections reported between May 11 and June 5.

E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain of the bacteria that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody and vomiting. While most healthy people recover within about a week, infections can lead to a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Consumers who have the affected blueberries should not eat them and should either discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, according to the recall notice.

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Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. said it has instructed customers who received the affected lot to remove it from distribution while it works with regulators and retail partners. The company said it is investigating the source of the potential contamination and will provide additional information as it becomes available.