FDA Class I recall for frozen berries after E. coli outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has elevated its recall of frozen GreenWise organic berries sold at Publix to its highest risk category, Class I, after the products were linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 12 people. The classification, issued August 18, signifies a reasonable probability that exposure to the recalled items could cause serious health consequences or death.

The recall encompasses approximately 182,094 packs of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries in both 10-ounce and 48-ounce sizes. These products were distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Publix initiated an internal stop-sale at the end of June, and the products are no longer available for purchase in stores. However, officials are concerned that consumers may still have the items in their freezers due to their long shelf life, with expiration dates before February 9, 2028.

The investigation began with a single lot of GreenWise blueberries recalled on July 3 by the Chile-based supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., after testing detected E. coli O145. On July...