A precautionary recall of organic frozen berries has broadened to include a product available at Walmart stores in 16 states. This action addresses potential contamination with E. coli O145.
Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., located in San Carlos, Chile, issued a recall of one lot of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend for potential E. coli O145 contamination. This recall aligns with an ongoing multistate E. coli outbreak investigation associated with organic frozen blueberries from the company, according to a notice by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Importance of the Recall
E. coli O145 can lead to intense stomach cramps, diarrhea, which may be bloody, and vomiting. The FDA states that most individuals in good health typically recover in about a week. However, some infections may progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition causing kidney failure. Young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Details of the Recalled Product
The recall targets Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, which is packaged in 10-ounce bags containing strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Affected packages bear a “Best If Used By” date of February 9, 2028, UPC 7874211226, and lot code 6040 01-6 on the front.
This product was distributed to selected Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Consumers are encouraged to scrutinize their freezers. If they own the affected product, it should not be consumed. They should discard it or return it to Walmart for a full refund.
The recall is part of an ongoing federal inquiry into an E. coli O145:H28 outbreak, connected with organic frozen blueberries supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur.
A July recall involved GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed berry products sold at Publix. The FDA categorized this as Class I, indicating the highest risk level, signifying that exposure could result in severe health consequences or death.
By July 30, the FDA identified 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, including four hospitalizations, with no reported fatalities. As the investigation continued, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur extended its recall on September 2 to incorporate this lot of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend based on traceback insights from the earlier recall.
The FDA noted no illnesses linked to the Great Value product so far, describing the recall expansion as a “precautionary measure” correlated with prior recall traceback information.
Continuing Food Safety Issues
This berry recall coincides with multiple federal investigations into foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Cyclospora.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 18,445 lab-confirmed, domestically acquired cyclosporiasis cases since May 1. These cases stem from the Cyclospora parasite, spreading across 49 states and the District of Columbia.
The surge is partly due to a significant outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. Taylor Fresh Foods, in July, recalled the lettuce over potential Cyclospora contamination.