Urgent Food Safety Alert: Publix Recalls GreenWise Organic Blueberries
If you have GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries in your freezer, it is time to double-check your stock. Publix has issued a voluntary recall for a specific lot of these frozen berries following reports of potential E. coli contamination. This health alert is critical for consumers who prioritize organic produce but need to ensure their food is safe for consumption.
Which Products Are Affected?
The recall is very specific. It does not apply to all GreenWise blueberries, but only to the following item:
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- Product: GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries
- Size: 10-ounce package
- Lot Code: 60401
- Best-By Date: February 9, 2028
If your package does not match this lot code and date, it is not part of this specific recall. However, always stay vigilant about food storage and handling.
Why Was the Recall Issued?
The Chile-based supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., initiated the recall after receiving reports of illnesses. Specifically, the contamination involves E. coli O145:H28, a Shiga toxin-producing strain of bacteria.
According to health reports, there have been 12 confirmed illnesses linked to this product between May 11 and June 5. E. coli infections can be severe, often manifesting as:
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- Severe stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
While healthy adults typically recover within a week, this bacteria can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. This poses a significantly higher risk to young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. For more information on identifying foodborne illnesses, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Affected Locations
The recalled blueberries were distributed to Publix stores across several southeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Check your purchase history if you live in:
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- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
What Should You Do Now?
If you find the affected 10-ounce package of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries in your home, do not consume them. You have two safe options:
- Discard the product immediately in a secure trash bin where pets or wildlife cannot reach it.
- Return the product to your local Publix store for a full refund.
The supplier is currently working with regulators and the FDA to investigate the source of the contamination to prevent future occurrences.
Final Thoughts on Food Safety
Recalls like the Publix organic blueberry recall highlight the importance of monitoring food safety notices. Whether you shop organic or conventional, staying informed about lot codes and supplier alerts is the best way to protect your family’s health.
