Check your freezer. Organic blueberries sold at Florida Publix grocery stores have been recalled for potential E. coli contamination after reports of a dozen people with symptoms.
Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. issued a recall for its Frozen Greenwise Organic IQF Blueberries because the fruit may be contaminated with E. coli, according to a Publix news release. E. coli infection can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting.
While most healthy people will recover within days, some infections may result in a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
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Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. and Publix have received 12 reports of consumers experiencing stomach illnesses between May 11 and June 5 linked with E. coli infections, the Publix release said. No fatalities have been reported, but the public numbers are from the Publix release. There has been no public release from the USDA or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of July 6.
Here’s what to know about the blueberry recall.
Publix organic blueberries recall: Which kind?
Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. issued a recall for its 10-ounce Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries.
The blueberries’ lot code is 60401 and the best by date is Feb. 9, 2028, according to Publix.
What states were the recalled blueberries sold in?
The recalled organic blueberries were sold at Publix stores in the following states:
What to do if you bought recalled Publix blueberries
Immediately discard or return affected blueberries to place of purchase for a full refund. Blueberries with a purchase date of July 3, 2026 or before should be discarded, Publix advises.
Consumers with questions should may call 336-899-5612 between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or email info.foodsafety@comfrut.com.
What is E. coli?
Escherichia coli, more commonly known as E. coli, is a group of bacteria that normally lives in the gut of healthy humans and animals. However, under certain conditions, some strains of E. coli can be potentially deadly, causing infections in the gut, urinary tract or other parts of the body.
What are the symptoms of an E. coli infection?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, common E. coli infection symptoms include:
Symptoms may occur two to eight days after exposure.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Publix organic blueberries recalled in Florida over E. coli
Reporting by Greta Cross and C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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By Greta Cross and C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
