Check your freezers. Publix berry recall given FDA's highest-risk level

The Food and Drug Administration has placed its highest-risk warning on recently recalled frozen berries sold at Publix, reminding consumers not to eat the affected products. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A first initiated a recall for GreenWise-brand organic blueberries on July 3, whichlater expand

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What is the story about?

The Food and Drug Administration has placed its highest-risk warning on recently recalled frozen berries sold at Publix, reminding consumers not to eat the affected products.

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A first initiated a recall for GreenWise-brand organic blueberries on July 3, whichlater expanded on July 29 to include GreenWise frozen mixed berries, as well. The products have been linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak that had sickened 12 people and hospitalized four, as of the FDA's last update on July 30.

Sold in Publix locations across eight states, including Kentucky, the affected products have been removed from shelves, according to the FDA, but have expiration dates into 2028, meaning they could still be in freezers.

"Customers who

have purchased the following frozen GreenWise products are reminded not to consume them," the agency said in a July 30 notice.

While the original recall was initiated last month, the FDA only categorized it as Tier I on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The classification means "there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," per the agency.

Here's what to know.

Which frozen berries were recalled?

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

Publix recalls 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, with UPC codes 41415-06453 and 41415-12053

Publix recalls 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags of GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, with UPC codes 41415-06753 and 41415-12153.

Where were recalled berries sold? See map

The products were distributed in the following states, including Kentucky, according to the recall notice:

Publix locations in Northern Kentucky

Publix has expanded into Kentucky, with plans to open two locations in Independence and Florence. The grocery chain's first Northern Kentucky location, in Walton, opened in March.

There will be three Publix locations in Northern Kentucky. Here's where they are:

Triple Crown Shopping Center, 430 Richwood Road, Walton.
Publix at Cold Spring Pointe, 5401 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring.
Publix at Independence, 5135 Jenkins Drive, Independence (not yet opened).
Publix at Farmview Commons, 8740 US 42, Florence (not yet opened).

What to do with recalled frozen berries

Publix plans to open two news stores in Northern Kentucky this fall. The <a target= store in Independence will be at 5135 Jenkins Dr. near a Kroger Marketplace." id="91289712007">

While the recalled berries are no longer for sale, they could still be in consumers' freezers. The FDA advises consumers not to eat recalled products and instead to throw them away or return them to Publix for a refund.

Questions regarding the recall can be directed to Publix Customer Care at 800-242-1227.

Symptoms of E. coli poisoning

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of E. Coli poisoning appear two to eight days after exposure and usually last about a week. These can include: