FDA Upgrades Publix Frozen Blueberry Recall to Highest Health Risk Level
The FDA upgraded a recall on organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries from Publix to Class I. Flavia Morlachetti · Moment/Getty The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upgraded the recall of frozen GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries from Publix to Class I. A Class I recall indicates the highest level of health risk. The initial recall of frozen berry products sold at…
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) elevated a recall on Publix's organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries to the most severe health risk level, Class I. This classification signifies that there is a reasonable chance the product might cause adverse health effects or even death. The recall traced back to potential contamination with E. coli bacteria. Initially announced on July 29, Publix recalled four distinct varieties of GreenWise frozen berry products sold across the United States. These included:
1. GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages.
2. GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, both 10-ounce and 48-ounce sizes.
The FDA's decision to upgrade the recall to Class I came after the initial recall on July 3, which stemmed from a separate incident involving GreenWise Organic Blueberries recalled by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. in Chile. As of August 18, Publix had not provided comment on the upgraded recall.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still investigating the E. coli contamination, with 12 reported cases and 4 hospitalizations linked to the recalled frozen berries as of July 30. Symptoms of E. coli infection usually surface within 3-4 days of consumption. While most people recover within 5-7 days without treatment, some may develop severe kidney complications requiring hospitalization.
High-risk groups include young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms to watch for include sudden, severe abdominal cramping, watery diarrhea that may become bloody, nausea, loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, and vomiting. In cases of severe diarrhea, high fever, or bloody stools, immediate medical attention is crucial.
To prevent E. coli infection, the CDC advises against consuming any recalled products, advises washing any surfaces that may have come into contact with the contaminated berries with hot, soapy water, and discarding any recalled items without attempting to determine their safety by taste.
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