Chilean Supplier Widens Frozen Berry Recall to 56 States Over E. coli Risk

2 min read
Source: TMJ4 News
Chilean Supplier Widens Frozen Berry Recall to 56 States Over E. coli Risk
Photo: TMJ4 News
TL;DR

A Chilean supplier has expanded a frozen berry recall to 56 states and Puerto Rico due to potential E. coli contamination. Affected products include Great Value and Trader Joe's organic berry blends. Consumers should discard or return these items for a refund.

Key points

  • The recall now covers Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, Great Value Organic Blueberries, and Trader Joe's Organic Mixed Berry Blend.
  • The expansion is linked to a July recall of GreenWise organic blueberries sold at Publix, which sickened 17 people in Florida and Georgia.
  • The CDC declared the outbreak over on September 21, but the supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., continues precautionary recalls based on supply chain traceback.
  • Affected products have best-by dates extending into 2028, meaning they may still be in home freezers.
  • Symptoms of E. coli O145 include severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea, with risks of kidney failure for vulnerable groups.

Background

This recall follows a July 2026 incident involving GreenWise organic blueberries at Publix, which led to 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations in Florida and Georgia. Walmart had previously recalled Great Value berries in 16 states in September 2026 as a precautionary measure. The current expansion reflects ongoing supply chain tracing by the Chilean supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., despite the CDC declaring the outbreak over in September.

How outlets are covering it

TMJ4 News emphasizes the geographic scope of the recall, listing 30 states for Walmart and 26 for Trader Joe's, along with Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. U.S. News & World Report provides additional detail on the specific lot codes, UPCs, and best-by dates, and highlights the connection to the earlier Publix recall. Both sources agree on the precautionary nature of the expansion and the health risks associated with E. coli O145, but U.S. News & World Report offers more technical specifics for consumer identification.

Why it matters

Consumers in 56 states and Puerto Rico may have affected frozen berries in their freezers. E. coli O145 can cause severe illness, including hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure. Discarding or returning these products is critical to prevent potential outbreaks, especially for vulnerable groups like young children and older adults.

What to watch

Consumers should check their freezers for the affected products and discard or return them for a full refund. The FDA and CDC will continue to monitor for any new cases linked to the recalled products. The supplier may issue further recalls if additional traceback information emerges.

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