FDA Upgrades Publix Frozen Berry Recall to Class I — Its Most Serious Level — Over E. Coli Risk

The Upgrade

The FDA raised its risk classification for a frozen berry recall at Publix supermarkets to Class I on August 18. Class I is the agency’s most serious designation. It means the FDA has determined there is a reasonable probability that eating the affected products could cause serious harm or death. The recall covers GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries sold at Publix stores across eight states.

What Triggered the Recall

The outbreak began in late June 2026. The FDA and CDC traced illnesses to frozen organic blueberries packed by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a supplier based in San Carlos, Chile. Publix pulled the initial lot from shelves immediately. On July 29, the company expanded the recall to cover all lots of both products after a remote assessment of the Chilean packing facility raised concerns about additional batches. The FDA upgraded the classification to Class I this week as part of its standard review process.
Twelve people across two states have tested positive for E. coli O145:H28 linked to the outbreak. Four have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Which Products Are Affected

The recall covers four items, all sold under the GreenWise brand:
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce bag, UPC 41415-06453
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce bag, UPC 41415-12053
GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce bag, UPC 41415-06753
GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, large 48-ounce package, product code 41415-12153
All lots with a best-by date before February 9, 2028 are included. The products were sold at Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

What to Do

Publix removed these products from store shelves in late June. But they may still be sitting in home freezers. The FDA says do not eat them, do not smell or taste them to check, and do not try to cook them to make them safe. Throw them away immediately or return them to Publix for a full refund. Clean any surfaces, containers, or other foods that may have touched the berries with hot soapy water.
Anyone who develops fever, severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting after eating the recalled products should contact a healthcare provider right away. Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of serious complications from E. coli infection, including kidney failure.
Customers with questions can call Publix at 1-800-242-1227.
Source: FDA, CBS News, NBC Palm Springs, The Hill, Today.com, NewsNation, Healthline