FDA Raises Publix Frozen Fruit Recall to Highest Risk Level: Check Your Freezer

• Publix frozen fruit recall
• E. coli outbreak leaves four hospitalized
• Check frozen GreenWise products

The FDA has raised its risk classification for the recall of several GreenWise frozen fruit products sold at Publix and linked to an E. coli outbreak.

Although the affected products have been removed from stores, the warning remains in effect because some packages have expiration dates extending into 2028 and could still be in consumers’ freezers.

The recall began on July 3 with organic blueberries and was expanded on July 29 to include frozen mixed berries from the same brand.

As of the FDA’s July 30 update, the outbreak had sickened 12 people and resulted in four hospitalizations across several states.

FDA Classifies Publix Frozen Fruit Recall as Class I Risk

The FDA classified the recall as Class I on Tuesday, August 18, weeks after the initial removal of the GreenWise products began.

This category is used when there is a reasonable probability that exposure to a defective product could cause serious adverse health consequences or even death.

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• Why it matters: The long shelf life of frozen fruit increases the possibility that consumers may still have affected packages without realizing they have been recalled.

The FDA has issued a clear warning to people who purchased these products: “Customers who have purchased the following GreenWise frozen products are reminded not to consume them.”

Which GreenWise Products Were Recalled From Publix?

The Publix frozen fruit recall includes 10-ounce packages of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries identified by UPC 41415-06453, as well as 48-ounce packages with UPC 41415-12053.

Also affected are 10-ounce packages of GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries with UPC 41415-06753.

The 48-ounce packages of GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries are also included in the recall and can be identified by UPC 41415-12153.

• The key detail: The alert is especially important because these frozen products can be stored for long periods, and some have expiration dates extending into 2028.

How to Check if You Have Fruit Recalled by the FDA

• The process: Consumers should first check the brand, type of fruit and package size before comparing the UPC code with the numbers included in the recall.

Finding one of these codes can help identify an affected product even if it was purchased before stores began removing it from shelves.

Consumers should not assume a package is safe simply because it remains frozen or because it was purchased weeks before the FDA raised the recall classification.

The warning applies specifically to the products identified in the recall, making it essential to carefully check the packaging before consuming them.

What to Do if You Bought Recalled GreenWise Fruit

• What you can do: The FDA recommends not consuming the affected products. Consumers can throw them away or return them to Publix for a refund.

Those who need additional information about the Publix frozen fruit recall can contact Publix customer service at 800-242-1227.

Caution is also important for anyone who previously consumed the fruit and later developed symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection.

Consumers should seek medical attention for severe or persistent symptoms, particularly signs of dehydration, bloody diarrhea or vomiting that makes it difficult to keep liquids down.

E. Coli Symptoms to Watch For

According to the CDC, symptoms can appear between two and eight days after exposure and generally last about a week.

Symptoms may include diarrhea, a fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit, severe abdominal discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea lasting more than three days.

Bloody diarrhea is also among the warning signs, along with symptoms of dehydration such as dry mouth, decreased urination and dizziness.

The FDA’s new classification makes checking the freezer an important precaution for anyone who recently purchased GreenWise frozen blueberries or mixed berries at Publix, according to FDA and USA Today.