The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has elevated a recall of frozen blueberries sold at supermarkets to its highest risk level on Tuesday, following reports of possible E. coli contamination.
The recall, now classified as “Class I,” affects packages of organic frozen blueberries distributed to Publix locations across eight states.
According to FDA guidelines, a Class I designation is reserved for situations in which there is a reasonable probability that consuming or being exposed to a product could lead to serious health consequences or death.
The affected product, Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries, was initially pulled from shelves in July after consumers reported digestive issues. The supplier, Chilean-based Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., voluntarily halted distribution at that time. The initial recall involved 10-ounce packages, but Publix later expanded the measure to include 48-ounce containers as a precautionary step.
The potentially contaminated batch is identified by a best-by date of February 9, 2028, and was sold in Publix stores located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Publix has urged customers not to consume the recalled blueberries and to either discard them or return them to any store for a full refund.
Health officials are also advising consumers who may have eaten the affected product to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms associated with E. coli infection.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms can include stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
Young children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from the bacteria.
For additional information, customers can contact Publix directly at (800) 242-1227.
With info from Fox 5 San Diego
