Frozen berries are being recalled at stores in eight states, including North Carolina, due to concerns over contamination with illness-causing E. coli bacteria.
The recall was first announced by grocery
chain Publix on July 29 and updated on July 30. As of July 30, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 12 cases of E. coli infection associated with the recall, including four hospitalizations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised anyone who purchased the recalled products to throw them away or return them to where they were purchased, adding that any surfaces believed to have touched the products should be thoroughly cleansed.
Here's what else to know in North Carolina as of late August.
What brand of blueberries are being recalled? Blueberry recall info
GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries were recalled, including the following products:
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06453
- GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12053
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06753
- GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12153
Were recalled blueberries sold in North Carolina?
The recalled products were shipped to Publix retail stores in eight states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, according to the FDA.
Why are blueberries being recalled?
The recall was issued due to potential contamination with E. coli, a type of bacteria that can make people sick.
What to do if you bought recalled blueberries
The CDC advises anyone who bought recalled products not to eat them and to instead throw them away or return them to where they were purchased. Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled products using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Additionally, the CDC advised anyone with severe E. coli symptoms to call a healthcare provider for treatment.
What are the symptoms of E. coli?
As stated by the FDA, symptoms of E. coli infection include:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome/kidney failure and the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and neurologic problems. The CDC advises anyone who develops any of the following symptoms to contact a healthcare provider:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees
- Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat and/or feeling dizzy when standing
When do the symptoms of E. coli start? How long does E. coli incubate?
The FDA added that after infection, symptoms of E. coli poisoning can begin in anywhere from a few days to up to nine days later. The CDC states that most infections resolve without treatment in 5-7 days.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Frozen berries sold in North Carolina recalled for E. coli concerns
