Berries urgently recalled over potential E. coli contamination

Even more frozen berries have been urgently recalled over fears they could be contaminated with a potentially dangerous strain of E. coli.

The recall affects a range of berries sold at Walmart, by the name of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend.

The 10-ounce frozen fruit product contains strawberries, blackberries and blueberries.

It was initially reported as being sold at Walmart stores in 16 US states, but the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since updated its advice to say the affected product was shipped to 26 states and Puerto Rico, according to PEOPLE.

The product was recalled by Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. after information from an earlier investigation raised concerns about possible contamination with E. coli.

Customers should check their freezers for the affected bags.

The recalled product has a UPC of 7874211226, lot code 6040 01-6 and a best-before date of February 9, 2028.

The FDA says other Great Value frozen fruit and other lots of the triple berry blend are not included in this particular recall

The recall relates to a brand of berries sold at Walmart (Walmart)

The agency's advice is “Do not eat, sell, or serve” the recalled berries.

Anyone who has them is being told to throw them away or return them to the retailer for a refund.

Consumers are also advised to thoroughly clean and sanitise any surfaces, containers or equipment that may have come into contact with the fruit, reducing the chance of cross-contamination.

There have been no illnesses linked specifically to the Walmart triple berry blend.

However, the recall is part of a wider investigation into an E. coli outbreak associated with frozen organic blueberries supplied by the same company.

As of the FDA's latest update, 17 people had been infected with the outbreak strain across Florida and Georgia, with six requiring hospital treatment.

No deaths had been reported.

Eleven of 13 people interviewed by investigators said they had eaten frozen blueberries before becoming ill.

The original recall began in July, when GreenWise organic frozen blueberries sold through Publix were withdrawn.

Publix later recalled all lots of its GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries across eight states.

In August, the FDA classified that recall as Class I, its highest risk level, meaning there was a reasonable probability that exposure could cause serious health consequences or death.

E.coli infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever, nausea and vomiting.

Shoppers are being advised to check the packaging if they have purchased these berries to see if they have been recalled (Getty Stock)

Some infections can result in bloody diarrhoea and develop into haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure.

Young children, older people and those with weakened immune systems can be particularly vulnerable to complications.

The latest recall is not the first time blueberries have been at the centre of a serious US food-safety warning.

In 2025, organic blueberries were recalled after routine testing detected Listeria monocytogenes.

That recall was also raised to Class I, with the FDA warning of a 'reasonable probability' of serious illness or death.

Listeria and E. coli are different bacteria, but both incidents have highlighted the risks that can arise when contaminated fruit enters the supply chain.

For now, the advice from US health authorities is to check the freezer, compare the packaging details carefully and do not take a chance with any affected product.

The FDA's investigation into the current E. coli outbreak remains ongoing, and further products could be added to the recall as officials trace the source of the contamination.