FDA Investigates E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Frozen Blueberries

A multistate outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 infections has been linked to organic frozen blueberries from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., of San Carlos, Chile, sold under the GreenWise brand at Publix.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state and local partners, are investigating the outbreak, which has sickened 12 and hospitalized four in two states, Florida and Georgia.

Publix recalled all lots of GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries due to potential E. coli contamination. Recalled product was shipped to Publix retail stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

In late June, Publix conducted an internal stop sale of frozen GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries, said FDA. These products remain unavailable for sale.

Customers who have purchased the following frozen GreenWise products are reminded not to consume them, and the products should be discarded or returned to Publix for a full refund.

• 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

FDA Shares Concerns About Associated Products.

As part of the investigation, FDA conducted a remote inspection of Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile, and collected records from the firm to better understand their procedures and hazard controls to prevent food from becoming contaminated. Based on inspection findings, FDA said it has concerns about at least one other lot of blueberries used in frozen GreenWise products. Publix has recalled such products.  

FDA also expressed concerns about other products from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. that have not entered the U.S. market and communicated those concerns to the firm.

The agency has added products from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A to Import Alert 99-35. Frozen blueberries from the company that are offered for entry into the U.S. may be detained without physical examination. The firm may submit documentation demonstrating that it has resolved the conditions that warranted a violation, said FDA.

The agency and state partners are working to determine the source of contamination. Additional products may be added to this advisory as the investigation continues.