FDA says E. coli illnesses linked to frozen blueberries rise to 17 with six hospitalizations

WASHINGTON - E. coli illnesses linked to recalled organic frozen blueberries have risen to 17 people in Florida and Georgia, with six hospitalizations and no deaths, the Food and Drug Administration said in a Sept. 3 update covered by The New York Times.

The outbreak strain is E. coli O145:H28. Illness onset dates ranged from May 11 to Aug. 2, 2026. Of 13 people interviewed, 11 reported eating frozen blueberries. Federal and state investigators tied the fruit to Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile.

Publix earlier recalled all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. On Sept. 2 the Chilean supplier expanded its recall to include one lot of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 10-ounce bags at Walmart stores in 16 states, with lot code 6040 01-6 and a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028.

The FDA advises consumers not to eat, sell or serve the recalled GreenWise and Great Value products. Bags may still sit in home freezers because best-by dates run into 2028. Throw them away or return them for a refund. Cleaning utensils and freezer surfaces that touched the fruit is recommended.

E. coli O145 can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and, in vulnerable people, kidney complications. Older adults and anyone with sudden bloody diarrhea after eating frozen berries should contact a clinician and mention the recall. The investigation remains open, and officials said more products could be added if traceback expands.