Expanded Recall of Organic Frozen Berries over E. Coli Concerns

Recall Details

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., located in San Carlos, Chile, has expanded the recall of its product due to potential E. coli O145 contamination. The affected product is the Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold at Walmart stores in 16 states.

The recall accompanies an ongoing multistate investigation into an E. coli outbreak linked to the company’s organic frozen blueberries. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this action is a precautionary step.

Health Risks

E. coli O145 is known to cause serious health issues such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, which may become bloody, and vomiting. Most people recover within a week. However, some may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication that can lead to kidney failure. This is particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Consumer Information

The affected Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend comes in 10-ounce packages containing strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Look for the “Best If Used By” date of February 9, 2028, UPC 7874211226, and lot code 6040 01-6, printed on the package front.

This product was sent to Walmart stores in various states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Consumers who have bought the product should check their freezers. Do not consume the product. For safety, discard it or return it to Walmart for a full refund.

Previous Recalls and Investigation

This recall follows a similar action in July involving GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed berry products sold at Publix. The FDA classified these previous recalls as Class I, indicating a high risk of serious health consequences or death due to exposure to the affected products.

As of July 30, the FDA reported 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, with four resulting in hospitalizations. No fatalities have occurred. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur expanded the recall on September 2 after receiving traceback information connecting the new product to the previous recall.

So far, no illnesses have been linked to the Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, though the recall was expanded as a precaution based on the investigation’s findings.

Food Safety Concerns

This recall is a part of broader federal investigations into foodborne illnesses involving E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Cyclospora. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported over 18,400 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, attributed partially to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico.

For additional information, contact Newsweek editors Samantha Beech and Gray R. Thomas.