Frozen berries sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart are now on a growing recall list linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak.
Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. first initiated a recall for GreenWise-brand frozen organic blueberries on July 3, which later expanded on July 29 to include GreenWise frozen mixed berries, all sold at Publix. On Sept. 2 the recall expanded to include a frozen berry product sold at Walmart. It was again expanded on Oct. 2to include more products sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's.
The products were linked to 17 illnesses, including six hospitalizations, as of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's last update on Sept. 21. The CDC declared the outbreak "over" in that notice . USA TODAY has reached out to confirm this
is still the case in light of the newly recalled products.
Sold in Walmart locations across 30 states and Trader Joe's stores in 26 states, the recalled Great Value and Trader Joe's-brand products have been removed from shelves, according to the Food and Drug Administration, but have expiration dates into 2028, meaning they could still be in freezers.
"This market action is taken as a precautionary measure following traceback information linked to frozen blueberries which were the subject of the first recall on July 3, 2026." said the FDA's Sept. 21 notice.
Here's what to know about the recall.
Which Walmart berries were added to the recall?
- Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend 10 oz (including strawberries, blackberries and blueberries): UPC 7874211226; lot codes 603101, 604101; best before Jan. 31, 2028 and Feb. 10, 2028.
- Great Value Organic Blueberries 10 oz: UPC 7874211213; lot codes 601901, 604001, 616301; best before Jan. 19, 2028, Feb. 9, 2028 and June 12, 2028.
Which Trader Joe's berries were added to the recall?
- Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend 12 oz: UPC 00977654; lot code 605101; best before Feb. 20, 2028.
Map shows where recalled berries were sold
The berries were sold at Walmart stores in 30 states and Trader Joe's in 26.
Walmart:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
Trader Joe's:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Washington, DC
What to do if you have the recalled berries
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 Walmart or Trader Joe's for a refund.
What is Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC? What are the symptoms?
The outbreak strain of E. coli linked to the berries has been identified as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC. This type of E. coli is known to cause a serious kidney condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, according to the FDA.
Children are more likely to suffer from HUS, which damages blood vessels, according to the Mayo Clinic. This causes red blood cells to break down, leading to anemia and clots in the blood vessels. These clots may damage the kidneys and other organs and cause kidney failure or even death.
Symptoms of E. coli poisoning appear two to eight days after exposure and usually last about a week, according to the CDC. These can include:
- Diarrhea, sometimes bloody, and a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Excessive vomiting, to the point that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, reduced urination and dizziness
- Abdominal cramping, pain or bloating
HUS has some additional symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, including:
- High blood pressure
- Pallor or loss of color in the skin
- Extreme tiredness
- Easy bruising
- Unusual bleeding, such as bleeding from the nose and mouth
- Decreased urination or blood in the urine
- Swelling, called edema, of the legs, feet or ankles
- Confusion, seizures or stroke
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Frozen berries sold at Trader Joe's, Walmart recalled. See products
