Blueberries urgently recalled at highest risk level

A recall of frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix has become even more urgent.

The recall level has now been increased to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) highest health-risk classification, amid an ongoing investigation into an E. coli outbreak.

The FDA reclassified the recall to a Class I recall on Tuesday (August 18).

It follows a recent egg recall in the UK over salmonella risks.

The agency uses that designation when there is a 'reasonable probability' that exposure to the recalled product could cause serious adverse health consequences, or even death.

The recalled products are GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries sold in 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages.

They were distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

The recall has been upgraded to the highest level (FDA)

Publix said in a statement: “Based on the public health officials’ product traceback and epidemiological information, Publix is now taking further action out of an abundance of caution to recall all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries," adding that they have not been on sale instore since June.

"“These products remain unavailable for sale,” it was confirmed.

The products subject to the recall are:

GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10-ounce — UPC 41415-06453

GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48-ounce — UPC 41415-12053

GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10-ounce — UPC 41415-06753

GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48-ounce — UPC 41415-12153

All affected products have expiration dates before February 9, 2028.

The FDA says consumers should not eat, sell or serve any of the recalled products, and they should be discarded or returned to Publix for a full refund.

The recall is linked to concerns over E. coli O145:H28.

This is a strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.

If the contaminated berries are consumed, symptoms can include intense stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever, nausea and vomiting.

Worryingly, in some cases, infection can progress to haemolytic uremic syndrome, according to the CDC.

This is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause kidney failure.

The mixed berries have also been recalled in addition to the blueberries (FDA)

Health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak associated with the recalled frozen berries.

According to CBS News, 12 people in Florida and Georgia have been infected with the outbreak strain, with four people hospitalised.

No deaths had been linked to the outbreak at the time of writing.

Publix initially announced a recall of all lots of the affected GreenWise organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries on July 29, following an earlier recall involving a specific lot of blueberries by Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.

Consumers who may have recalled berries in their freezers are being urged to check the packaging carefully.

The FDA also recommends thoroughly cleaning and sanitising surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with the products to reduce the possibility of cross contamination.

Anyone who has consumed the recalled berries, and develops symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection is advised to contact a healthcare professional as a matter of urgency.