Expanded Berry Recall Due to E. coli Concerns

Expanded Recall Alert: Organic Frozen Berries

The recall of organic frozen berries has been broadened to encompass a product available at Walmart locations across 16 states due to potential E. coli contamination. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., headquartered in San Carlos, Chile, initiated the recall for one batch of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend following potential exposure to E. coli O145.

This action was prompted by ongoing multistate investigations into E. coli outbreaks linked to organic frozen blueberries from the company. The FDA issued this notice on Thursday.

Health Risks of E. coli O145

E. coli O145 poses significant health risks, including severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. While most individuals recover within a week, severe infections may result in hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause kidney failure. Young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals face elevated risks.

Product Information and Precautions

The recall relates to Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 10-ounce packages with strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. These packages carry a ‘Best If Used By’ date of February 9, 2028, UPC 7874211226, and lot code 6040 01-6, as indicated on the front.

Products were distributed to Walmart locations in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Consumers are advised to inspect their freezers and refrain from consuming the affected berries. Products should be returned to Walmart for a full refund or discarded.

Background and Investigation Details

The Great Value recall forms a segment of a wider federal inquiry into an outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 linked to organic frozen blueberries supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur. Prior recalls in July covered GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix, deemed Class I by the FDA, indicating a risk of serious health outcomes or death.

As of July 30, 12 illnesses had been identified in Florida and Georgia, with four individuals hospitalized; however, no fatalities were reported. After the investigation progressed, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur expanded their recall on September 2 to include affected Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend batches following traceback data.

To date, no illnesses related to the Great Value product have been recorded. The recall expansion is a cautionary step informed by traceback from the prior recall.

Broader Food Safety Concerns

This recall takes place amid numerous federal probes into foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Cyclospora. The CDC has documented 18,445 lab-confirmed, domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases since May 1, with incidents reported across 49 states plus the District of Columbia.

Increased cases are partly due to a significant outbreak stemming from recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Taylor Fresh Foods recalled the lettuce in July over Cyclospora contamination concerns.

For further details, Newsweek has reached out to Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.