Twelve illnesses and four hospitalizations have been reported as officials investigate E. coli O145:H28 linked to GreenWise frozen blueberries.
LAKELAND, Fla. — A recall involving GreenWise organic frozen blueberries has received the Food and Drug Administration’s most serious risk classification as federal and state health officials continue investigating an E. coli outbreak that has sickened 12 people in Florida and Georgia.
The FDA lists the recall of a lot of frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile, as Class I. That classification is used when exposure to a product has a reasonable probability of causing serious health consequences or death. Publix later broadened its action to recall all lots of several GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed-berry products because of possible contamination with E. coli O145:H28. No deaths have been reported in the outbreak.
The investigation has identified 12 illnesses, including four that required hospitalization. Illnesses began between May 11 and June 5, according to the FDA. Of nine patients interviewed about foods they had eaten, seven reported consuming frozen blueberries, and five specifically reported eating GreenWise organic frozen blueberries purchased at Publix. The cases have been reported in Florida and Georgia.
The initial recall was announced July 3 by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur. It covered 10-ounce packages of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries carrying lot code 60401, shown on packaging as 6 040 01, and a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028. The supplier said the product may have been contaminated with E. coli O145:H28, a strain capable of producing Shiga toxin.
Publix announced a broader recall July 29 after federal investigators raised concerns about additional blueberries from the Chilean supplier. The expanded action covers all lots of four GreenWise products: 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages of Organic Whole Blueberries and 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages of Organic Whole Mixed Berries. The products were shipped to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The affected GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries carry UPC 41415-06453 for the 10-ounce size and UPC 41415-12053 for the 48-ounce size. The recalled GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries carry UPC 41415-06753 for 10-ounce packages and UPC 41415-12153 for 48-ounce packages. Publix had placed an internal stop sale on the frozen products by the end of June, and the FDA said the products remained unavailable for sale.
The FDA said it conducted a remote regulatory assessment of Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur and reviewed company records concerning procedures and controls designed to prevent contamination. Investigators identified concerns involving at least one additional lot of blueberries used in other frozen GreenWise products, which contributed to Publix’s decision to expand the recall. Federal officials have not publicly identified the source or cause of the contamination, and the investigation remains underway.
The FDA also placed products from the Chilean supplier on an import alert. Frozen blueberries from the company offered for entry into the United States may be detained without physical examination while the firm addresses the agency’s concerns. The FDA said it also had concerns involving products from the supplier that had not entered the U.S. market.
E. coli O145:H28 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain of E. coli. Infection can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure and other complications. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can face greater risk of serious illness.
Federal health officials have advised that recalled GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries should not be eaten, sold or served. The FDA says recalled products can be discarded or returned to the place of purchase. The agency also recommends cleaning containers and surfaces that may have come into contact with the berries to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
The FDA continues to list the E. coli O145:H28 frozen-blueberry investigation as active and ongoing. Recall, traceback and inspection work remains underway, and federal officials have said additional information will be released as the investigation develops.
Author note: Last updated August 20, 2026.