Consumers shopping at Publix are being advised to check their freezers after a batch of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries was voluntarily recalled due to possible E. coli contamination. This recall, announced by Chile-based supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. on July 3, follows reports of illnesses among customers who consumed the product, as stated in a notice from Publix.
The affected blueberries were shipped to Publix locations across multiple states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. This recall specifically targets 10-ounce packages of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries labelled with lot code 60401 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028. No other lot codes or dates are implicated in this recall.
According to the recall notice, there have been twelve confirmed illnesses linked to E. coli O145:H28 infections reported between May 11 and June 5. E. coli O145 is a strain of bacteria that produces a toxin, leading to severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Though most healthy individuals recover within a week, the infection can cause serious complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly in vulnerable groups such as young children and the elderly.
Consumers in possession of the recalled blueberries are advised not to consume them and instead either discard the product or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund. Meanwhile, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. is coordinating with regulators and retail partners to investigate the source of the contamination and has instructed customers to remove the affected lot from distribution. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
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