The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 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, 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. A Tier I 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.
Where were recalled berries sold? See map
The products were distributed in the following states, according to the recall notice:
What to do with recalled frozen 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 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:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Diarrhea for more than three days
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, reduced urination and dizziness
- Abdominal cramping, pain or bloating.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Publix frozen berry recall classified under FDA’s highest-risk level
