The Food and Drug Administration upgraded a recall of frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix grocery stores to its highest health risk classification on Tuesday, according to the agency's enforcement report.
Publix first announced the recall on July 29, pulling four varieties of its GreenWise organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries from stores across eight states over potential E. coli contamination. The FDA has now classified it as a Class 1 recall, which the agency assigns to products where there is a reasonable probability that use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death, according to CBS News.
Twelve people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported in two states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No deaths linked to the outbreak have been reported.
The four products under recall are: GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries in 10-ounce and 48-ounce sizes, and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries in 10-ounce and 48-ounce sizes. All carry expiration dates before February 9, 2028. The products were shipped to Publix locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Consumers are advised to discard the products or return them to any Publix store for a full refund.
E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In serious cases, the bacteria can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition that can result in kidney failure and be life-threatening, according to the FDA.
The Publix recall is not the only food safety action elevated in recent days. Last week, the FDA also upgraded an egg recall to the Class 1 level over potential salmonella contamination.
