FDA warns North Carolina consumers as frozen berry recall expands amid E. coli outbreak

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — North Carolina consumers are among those being warned after federal health officials expanded a recall of frozen berries linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak.

The FDA and CDC, along with state and local health officials, are investigating 17 illnesses in two states linked to infections with E. coli O145:H28.

Illnesses began between May 11 and Aug. 2, according to the FDA. Of 13 people interviewed by health officials, 11 — or 85% — reported eating frozen blueberries.

There have been six hospitalizations and no reported deaths.

The outbreak has been linked to organic frozen blueberries from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a company based in San Carlos, Chile.

Recalled products sold in North Carolina

On Sept. 2, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur expanded its recall to include Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 10-ounce packages.

The recalled product has:

• Lot code: 6040 01-6
• Best by date: Feb. 9, 2028

The product was shipped to Walmart stores in 16 states, including North Carolina.

Consumers should check their freezers for the recalled product and should not eat it. The FDA recommends throwing the product away or returning it to the place of purchase for a refund.

A separate recall also affects GreenWise organic frozen berry products sold at Publix stores.

On July 3, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur recalled a single lot of GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries in 10-ounce packages with lot code 60401, printed on the package as 6 040 01, and a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028.

On July 29, Publix announced a recall of all lots of the following GreenWise products:

• 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

The GreenWise products were shipped to Publix stores in eight states, including North Carolina.

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat, sell or serve the recalled Great Value or GreenWise berry products.

If berries were removed from their original packaging and consumers cannot determine whether they are part of the recall, the FDA recommends throwing them away.

Restaurants, retailers and food-service businesses that received recalled berries should also remove them from the market and carefully clean and sanitize surfaces and containers that came into contact with the products.

E. coli symptoms

Symptoms of an E. coli infection can begin a few days after consuming contaminated food and may occur as long as nine days later.

Symptoms can include:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Some E. coli infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to serious complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening type of kidney failure.

The FDA recommends that consumers who ate recalled frozen berry products and develop symptoms resembling an E. coli infection contact a health care provider immediately.

The FDA’s investigation remains ongoing.