A series of blueberry and mixed berry products that were recalled due to possible E. coli contamination have been issued the highest risk warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Class I risk classification, issued on Tuesday, applies to four GreenWise products sold at Publix: A Class I risk classification—one of three—represents "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the FDA.
Publix recalled all lots of the products on July 29 because they may have been contaminated with E. coli O145, a strain that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. The berries were shipped to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. As of July 30, the FDA had reported 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, including four hospitalizations.
No deaths had been reported. The illnesses began between May 11 and June 5, according to the FDA, which said its investigation remained ongoing. This is a developing story.
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