GreenWise Blueberry Recall: What Publix Shoppers Need to Know

Have a bag of frozen blueberries in your freezer right now? If you bought GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries from Publix recently, you’ll want to check the packaging. A blueberry recall was issued on July 3, 2026, after tests found possible E. coli contamination. Twelve people have already gotten sick. Here’s everything you need to know — from identifying the recalled product to protecting your family.

What to Know About the Blueberry Recall

The blueberry recall covers one specific product: GreenWise Organic IQF Frozen Blueberries in a 10-ounce bag. Only bags with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028 are affected. No other lot codes or best-by dates are part of this recall.

The recall was initiated by the Chilean company Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. after a presumptive positive test for E. coli O145. The FDA recall announcement confirms that 12 people became ill between May 11 and June 5, 2026, after eating these blueberries.

Here’s the thing: While the company and FDA have published the recall, the CDC has not yet issued its own outbreak notice. Food safety attorney Bill Marler noted this gap. That doesn’t mean the recall isn’t real — it just means the official investigation is still unfolding. For now, the safest move is to treat this recall seriously.

Where Were the Recalled Blueberries Sold?

The recalled blueberries were sold exclusively at Publix grocery stores in these eight states:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia

Publix is also asking customers to return or discard any GreenWise frozen blueberries purchased on or before July 3, 2026 — even if the lot code doesn’t match. When in doubt, toss it out. You can also use the GTIN number 4141506453 to double-check the product. For details, see the Publix official recall notice.

What Is E. Coli O145 and Why It Matters

E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). It belongs to a group of bacteria that can cause serious illness. According to the CDC, STEC infections often lead to bloody diarrhea and severe stomach cramps. In some cases, the infection can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening kidney condition.

You might have heard more about O157:H7, but O145 is no less dangerous. Recent research shows that O145 is one of the most common non-O157 serogroups causing HUS in children. A 2025 study found that O145 accounted for nearly a third of pediatric HUS cases. So this recall isn’t a minor event — it involves a strain that can cause real harm.

E. Coli Symptoms: What to Watch For

Symptoms of E. coli infection usually appear 3 to 4 days after exposure, but they can show up as early as one day or as late as a week. The Mayo Clinic lists these common signs:

• Diarrhea — can range from watery to bloody
• Severe stomach cramps and tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low-grade fever (sometimes)

Most healthy adults recover within a week without special treatment. But young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for HUS. Warning signs of HUS include decreased urine output, extreme fatigue, unexplained bruises, and pale skin. If you or a family member develop these, seek emergency care immediately.

What to Do If You Have the Recalled Blueberries

First, don’t panic. Check your freezer for the 10-ounce GreenWise Organic bag. Look for lot code 60401 and best-by February 9, 2028. If you find it: do not eat it. You have two options: throw it away, or return it to your local Publix for a full refund. Publix is also accepting any GreenWise frozen blueberries purchased on or before July 3, 2026, regardless of lot code.

What if you already ate some? Don’t assume you’ll get sick. But watch for symptoms over the next week. If you develop diarrhea (especially bloody), stomach cramps, or vomiting, call your doctor and mention the blueberry recall. Healthcare providers may need to do specific stool tests, since STEC infections can mimic other illnesses.

One common question: Can I cook the blueberries to kill the bacteria? While cooking to 160°F would destroy E. coli, the official recommendation is to discard the recalled product. It’s not worth the risk — especially if the berries are already contaminated and may have spread bacteria in your kitchen.

The Bottom Line

The blueberry recall is a serious food safety alert that affects Publix shoppers in eight states. Check your freezer right now. If you have the recalled GreenWise blueberries, return or discard them. If you develop E. coli symptoms, see a doctor. And keep an eye on official updates from the FDA and CDC — this story is still developing. Your health is worth those few minutes of checking a bag.