If you've got a bag of frozen berries in your freezer from Walmart or Trader Joe's, now's the time to check the label. Federal health officials have expanded a recall of frozen fruit linked to a dangerous strain of E. coli that has already sent several people to the hospital.
The recall now covers products sold in more than 30 states, including Florida, Texas, New York, and Puerto Rico. The affected items are frozen organic berries distributed under the Great Value and Trader Joe's brand names, and they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O145:H28, a strain that produces Shiga toxin and can cause severe illness.
Which products are affected?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall includes:
- Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend – 10-ounce bags with UPC code 7874211226 and lot numbers 6 031 01 or 6 041 01. Best-by dates: January 31, 2028, or February 10, 2028.
- Great Value Organic Blueberries – 10-ounce packages with UPC code 7874211213 and lot numbers 6 019 01, 6 040 01, and 6 163 01.
- Trader Joe's Organic Mixed Berry Blend – 12-ounce packages with UPC code 00977654, lot number 6 051 01, and expiration date February 20, 2028.
These items were distributed to Walmart stores in Puerto Rico and 30 states, and to Trader Joe's locations in 27 states plus the District of Columbia. The full state lists include Florida, Georgia, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and many others.
What happened?
The outbreak was first detected in early September, and the FDA has been investigating since then. The supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., had previously recalled organic frozen blueberries sold at Publix in July after 12 infections were linked to that product. Now, the same company is at the center of this expanded recall.
As of the latest update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 17 confirmed cases of E. coli infection: 13 in Florida and 4 in Georgia. Six people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, but health officials warn that this strain can cause serious complications, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
What should you do?
If you have any of the recalled products at home, do not eat them. Return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund, or throw them away in a sealed bag so that children and pets can't get to them. Clean and sanitize any surfaces that may have come into contact with the fruit.
Symptoms of E. coli infection typically appear within a week of exposure and include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms after eating recalled fruit, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
This recall is a reminder that even frozen foods can carry risks. For more on recent food safety alerts, check out our coverage of the Salata dressing recall in Texas and the Fontanini sausage recall.
Stay informed, check your freezer, and stay safe.
