The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has elevated the recall of Publix’s frozen GreenWise organic blueberries and mixed berries to a Class 1 status, the agency’s most serious category. A Class 1 recall indicates a reasonable probability that use of the product could cause serious health consequences or death.
What triggered the upgrade?
Last month Publix announced a voluntary recall of four varieties of its frozen fruit sold in Alabama and seven other states after testing suggested possible contamination with Escherichia coli (E. coli). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) later reported twelve confirmed infections in two states linked to the outbreak strain. While no deaths have been recorded, the bacteria can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and in extreme cases, kidney failure.
Products affected
The specific items subject to the recall are:
- 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)
All units have expiration dates before February 9, 2028. Consumers who purchased any of these packages are urged to either discard them or return them to the Publix store where they were bought for a full refund.
How to protect your family
Parents and caregivers should check their freezers for the listed UPC codes and verify the expiration dates. If a product matches the description, it should be removed from the household immediately. The CDC advises anyone who experiences symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, or vomiting to seek medical attention promptly.
Publix’s response
Publix has reiterated its commitment to food safety and is cooperating fully with federal regulators. The retailer’s spokesperson said the company is working to remove the affected inventory from all locations and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
What the FDA’s classification means
A Class 1 recall is reserved for products that pose a “reasonable probability” of causing serious health outcomes. This is the highest level of risk and triggers immediate action from both the manufacturer and retailers. The upgrade signals that the agency believes the potential for harm is significant enough to warrant swift, widespread removal of the product from the market.
Key takeaways for Alabama shoppers
- Check your freezer for the four UPC numbers listed above.
- If you have any of the recalled items, discard them or return them to Publix for a refund.
- Watch for further updates from the FDA, CDC, and Publix.
- Practice good food‑handling habits, such as washing hands after handling raw foods and cooking frozen fruit thoroughly before consumption.
Staying informed and acting quickly can help protect families from the serious health risks associated with E. coli contamination.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
