A recall of organic frozen berries has been expanded to include a product sold at Walmart stores across 16 states over potential E. coli contamination. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., based in San Carlos, Chile, has recalled one lot of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend because of potential contamination with E. coli O145, according to a notice published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday.
The recall is connected to an ongoing multistate E. coli outbreak investigation linked to organic frozen blueberries supplied by the company. E. coli O145 can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, which may be bloody, and vomiting, according to the FDA. Most healthy people recover within a week, but some infections can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure.
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. The recalled product is Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 10-ounce packages containing strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. Affected packages have a “Best If Used By” date of February 9, 2028, UPC 7874211226, and lot code 6040 01-6, printed on the front.
The product was shipped to select Walmart stores in 16 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Consumers are being urged to check their freezers and not eat the affected product. It should instead be discarded or returned to Walmart for a full refund.
The Great Value recall is part of an ongoing federal investigation into an outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 infections linked to organic frozen blueberries supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur. A previous recall in July involved GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed berry products sold at Publix. The FDA later classified it as Class I, its highest risk level, meaning exposure to the affected products could cause serious health consequences or death.
As of July 30, the FDA had reported 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, including four hospitalizations. No deaths had been reported. As the investigation continued, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur expanded its recall on September 2 to include the affected lot of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend following traceback information from the previous recall.
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