Frozen fruit is one of those grocery staples shoppers often buy for convenience and forget about for months, especially in houses with children.A bag of berries can sit in the freezer for smoothies, breakfast bowls, baking, or kids’ snacks long after the original shopping trip. That long shelf life is part of what makes frozen fruit useful, but it also means a recall can reach consumers well after the product has left store shelves.This is why a new recall tied to Publix matters for shoppers across several states.Frozen blueberry recall covers one lot in 8 statesThe Chile-based supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., is recalling one lot of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries sold at Publix after the product was linked to potential E. coli contamination and reports of stomach illness.The recall comes as consumers have become more alert to food-safety warnings, especially when the products involved are everyday grocery items kept at home for later use. TheStreet recently covered an FDA recall involving a blood-pressure drug, showing how technical recall notices can quickly become personal for consumers who rely on common products.Related: FDA recall raises concern over blood pressure drugThe company is recalling 10-ounce bags of frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries because they may be contaminated with E. coli O145:H28, according to Publix’s recall notice.The recalled product was shipped to Publix stores in these 8 states:AlabamaFloridaGeorgiaKentucky North CarolinaSouth CarolinaTennesseeVirginia.The affected product is Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries in 10-ounce bags with lot code 60401 (also listed as 6040 01) and a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028. The GTIN is 4141506453.No other lot codes or best-by dates are included in the recall.Publix is advising customers to return or discard frozen GreenWise blueberries purchased on or before July 3, 2026. Customers with the affected lot should not eat the product.The recall was initiated after reports of 12 confirmed cases of consumers experiencing stomach illness between May 11 and June 5, 2026, linked to E. coli O145:H28 infections, according to the notice.
Frozen blueberries sold at Publix are being recalled.JHVEPhoto / Getty Images
E. coli risk can be seriousE. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strain, which can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and vomiting.While many healthy people recover within about a week, some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.More Recalls:FDA recall raises concern over blood pressure drugHonda’s million-vehicle recall hits core SUVs and trucksJeep owners should take immediate action to avoid huge riskThe supplier said it is working with regulators and customers, and that it has told customers receiving the affected lot to isolate the product, stop distributing it, and notify downstream customers who may have received it.For Publix shoppers, the key step is to check the freezer, look for the lot code and best-by date, and avoid eating the affected product. Consumers can either discard the blueberries or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.Related: Iconic denim brand closes facility, cuts 303 jobs