The Food and Drug Administration upgraded the recall of GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries to its most severe level.
The frozen fruits sold at Publix were upgraded to a Class I recall. This means use of or exposure to the product could cause serious health problems or death.
An initial recall involving one lot of frozen blueberries was issued in July over potential E. coli contamination. Publix later expanded the recall to all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries.
The FDA said the berries have been linked to an outbreak that sickened a dozen people. Four people have been hospitalized. No illnesses have been reported in North Carolina.
E. coli can cause severe stomach cramping, diarrhea and vomiting.
The FDA said customers who purchased the following frozen GreenWise products should not consume them. The products should be discarded or returned to Publix for a full refund.
Products affected:
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06453
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12053
GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce, UPC 41415-06753
GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce, UPC 41415-12153
The FDA is working to determine the source of the contamination. Consumers experiencing any symptoms should contact their health care providers.
