Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., selling under the Comfrut brand, has voluntarily recalled its 10-ounce GreenWise Organic IQF Frozen Blueberries sold exclusively at Publix grocery stores after the product tested presumptively positive for E. coli O145:H28 — a Shiga toxin-producing strain known to cause severe illness. The recall was announced July 3, 2026. The company reports 12 confirmed cases of illness linked to this E. coli strain between May 11 and June 5, 2026. The recalled product was distributed to Publix stores in eight states. As of publication, neither the FDA nor CDC has posted a corresponding public outbreak investigation notice.
What’s Being Recalled?
The recall covers a single lot of Publix GreenWise Organic IQF Frozen Blueberries, sold in 10-ounce bags. Only lot code 6040 01 with a best-by date of February 9, 2028 is included. The lot code and best-by date are printed on the product packaging. The recalled blueberries were distributed exclusively to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. No other Publix blueberry products are included.
Why Was This Product Recalled?
The product tested presumptively positive for E. coli O145:H28, a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli strain. The company states this follows reports of illness among consumers who ate the recalled berries. E. coli O145:H28 is a particularly serious strain — prior clusters linked to this pathogen have included HUS cases and deaths, and a 2024 UK outbreak grew to nearly 300 cases with two fatalities. Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and fever beginning two to eight days after exposure. Roughly 5 to 10 percent of E. coli infections develop into HUS, requiring emergency hospitalization. Young children under five, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised people are at highest risk.
What Should You Do?
Check your freezer for Publix GreenWise Organic IQF Frozen Blueberries with lot code 6040 01 and a best-by date of February 9, 2028. Do not eat the recalled product. Throw it away or return it to your Publix store for a full refund. If you have eaten these blueberries and developed severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, or blood in stool — contact your healthcare provider and specifically mention possible E. coli exposure. Early diagnosis requires specific testing.
Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2026/07/frozen-blueberries-recalled-linked-to-e-coli-outbreak/
