• A major E. coli recall was issued on GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold across eight southeastern states.
  • The recalled products may contain dangerous Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145:H28, which caused 12 confirmed illnesses (including four hospitalizations) and prompted specific lot codes and UPC numbers to be identified by the FDA.
  • Consumers were advised to discard affected GreenWise berries or return them to Publix for refunds, and to seek medical care if they experienced E. coli symptoms like severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Berries are often referred to as a superfood as they are packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. According to data from the USDA Economic Research Service, in 1980, the average person ate just three ounces a year, but the average American eats about two full pounds.

Whether you put them in oatmeal or a smoothie, you'll want to think twice before consuming them (at least for now) as there is a new recall on GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries that all berry fans need to know about.

What is being recalled?

As of July 29, Publix posted a recall announcement on all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries because they "may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O145:H28 (E. coli O145)."

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added that the recalled product was shipped to Publix retail stores throughout eight states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The following products have been listed as part of the latest recall announcement:

  • GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06453
  • GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12053
  • GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06753
  • GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12153

This news follows the recall notice posted on July 6 by the FDA on Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries, specifically its 10-ounce size. The lot code, which is printed on the packaging, is 60401. The recalled blueberries also come with the “Best By” date of February 9, 2028. The FDA noted that "no other lot codes or Best By dates are affected by this recall."

Why are these blueberries being recalled?

The blueberries are being recalled as they may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC) O145:H28. The FDA explained that this particular type of E. Coli can “cause illness characterized by severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting.”

According to Publix, there have been 12 confirmed cases of people reporting stomach illness (11 in Florida and 1 in Georgia) between May 11, 2026, and June 5, 2026, linked to E. Coli O145:H28 infections. The FDA notes there have been four hospitalizations, but thankfully, zero deaths.

The agency notes that most healthy individuals recover within a week, though children, older adults, and people with a weakened immune system can experience more serious symptoms and complications.

What should I do if I have these blueberries in my freezer?

For starters, you don't want to consume these berries. The recall notice explained that consumers who have frozen GreenWise blueberry products with the affected lot code in their freezers should not consume them. The berries should also be "discarded or returned to Publix for a full refund," according to the recent update.

Additionally, customers who have additional questions or concerns are being encouraged to contact Publix Customer Care at (800) 242-1227 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

The bottom line

You'll want to double-check the berries and blueberries sitting in your refrigerator to make sure they're not part of the recall. If they are, then you don't want to consume them and visit your local Publix for a refund.

If you consumed the recalled GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries or have any symptoms that resemble an E. Coli infection, then you'll want to consult a health care provider immediately. The status of this recall is ongoing, so you'll want to avoid these berries until further announcements regarding safety are posted by the FDA.