Last updated: September 3, 2026
Quick Answer: The Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend Because of Potential Contamination with Escherichia coli recall covers multiple brands sold at major U.S. retailers, including Walmart and Publix. The outbreak strain is E. coli O145 H28, linked to at least 12 confirmed illnesses and 4 hospitalizations as of July 2026. Consumers should discard or return any recalled product immediately and not consume it.
Key Takeaways
- The FDA classified this recall as Class I, its highest-risk designation, meaning there is a reasonable probability the product will cause serious health consequences.
- Recalled products include the Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend (Walmart), GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (Publix).
- The outbreak strain is E. coli O145, specifically the H28 serotype, linked to illnesses across at least 18 states as of September 2026.
- Freezing and IQF (individually quick frozen) processing do NOT kill E. coli, the bacteria survive at sub-zero temperatures.
- Cases were reported in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, and additional states.
- Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting; hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare but serious complication.
- Consumers can check the FDA recall database and the CDC outbreak page for the latest updates.
- The supplier linked to the outbreak is Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur, a processor based in San Carlos, Chile.
What Is the Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend Recall About?
The recall centers on a Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend Because of Potential Contamination with Escherichia coli O145 H28, a dangerous foodborne pathogen. The FDA opened a formal outbreak investigation in July 2026 after epidemiological data linked multiple illnesses to frozen blueberries and mixed berry products sold under several brand names.
The investigation traced the contamination back to Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur, operating out of San Carlos, Chile. This supplier provided frozen blueberries used in several retail products, including the organic triple berry blend sold at Walmart and GreenWise-branded items at Publix. The recall was expanded on September 2, 2026, to include the Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend after lot code analysis confirmed shared supply-chain exposure.
Fast Facts:
- Pathogen: E. coli O145 H28
- Confirmed cases: 12 (as of July 2026 data)
- Hospitalizations: 4
- Deaths: 0
- Supplier: Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur, San Carlos, Chile
- FDA risk class: Class I (highest)
Which Brands and Products Are Recalled?
Several distinct products are recalled as part of this 2026 outbreak investigation. The FDA recall notice and CDC location data confirm the following recalled items:
| Brand | Product | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Great Value | Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend | Walmart |
| GreenWise | Organic Whole Blueberries | Publix |
| GreenWise | Organic Whole Mixed Berries | Publix |
The GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries were among the first products recalled. The Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend, a value frozen organic product sold at Walmart, was added to the recall list on September 2, 2026, as reported by Parade. No illnesses had been confirmed specifically linked to the Great Value product at the time of that expansion, but the shared supplier connection made the Class I recall necessary.
How to Know If Your Frozen Berries Are Part of the Recall
Check the lot code and best-by date on your package. The FDA recall page lists specific lot codes for each recalled product; a best-by date of February 2028 has been cited in connection with certain recalled lots. If your frozen blueberries or berry blend match any recalled lot, do not eat them.
Steps to verify your product:
- Locate the lot code printed on the back or bottom of the package.
- Visit the FDA outbreak investigation page and compare your lot code against the listed codes.
- Check whether the brand is Great Value, GreenWise, or any other product flagged in the recall include lot notices.
- If there is any doubt, discard the product or return it to the store for a full refund.
The recall include lot and date information is updated as the investigation progresses. Checking the FDA page directly ensures you have the most current data.
Symptoms of E. coli Infection from Contaminated Berries
E. coli O145 H28 causes a foodborne illness that typically begins 3 to 4 days after eating contaminated food, though symptoms can appear anywhere from 1 to 10 days after exposure. The CDC outbreak investigation page outlines the following symptoms:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea, often bloody
- Vomiting
- Low-grade fever (in some cases)
Most healthy adults recover within 5 to 7 days without treatment. However, about 5 to 10 percent of people, particularly young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication that can cause kidney failure. Four of the 12 confirmed cases in this 2026 outbreak required hospitalization, underscoring the severity of this E. coli strain.
Contact a health care provider immediately if you experience:
- Blood in your stool
- Signs of dehydration (little or no urination, dizziness)
- Symptoms that worsen after day 3
Should You Throw Away Your Frozen Triple Berry Blend?
Yes, if your product matches any recalled lot code, discard it immediately or return it to the store. The FDA’s Class I recall designation means the agency has determined there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Do not taste the product to check if it seems fine. E. coli contamination is invisible and odorless. Even a small amount of contaminated berry can cause severe illness.
What to do with recalled frozen berries:
- Place the product in a sealed plastic bag before discarding to prevent cross-contamination.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, or containers that came into contact with the recalled product.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
Where to Check the FDA Recall List for Frozen Berries
The FDA’s official recall and safety alerts page is the authoritative source for all current frozen berry recalls. The CDC’s outbreak locations page provides a case count map showing which states have confirmed illnesses.
For this specific outbreak, the FDA outbreak investigation page for E. coli O145 H28 frozen blueberries, July 2026 is updated as new information becomes available. The Washington Post reported on August 20, 2026, that the FDA upgraded the recall to its highest risk warning, reflecting the seriousness of the ongoing investigation.
Stores Affected and Product Distribution
The recalled products were distributed nationally across the United States. Walmart stores carried the Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend, while Publix stores in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic carried the GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries. The CDC case count map shows confirmed illnesses in at least 18 states as of September 2026, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
The wide geographic spread reflects the national distribution of both the Great Value and GreenWise product lines. The supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur, located in Sur San Carlos, Chile, exported frozen blueberries used across multiple retail brands, which is why the recall expanded beyond a single product.
How Do Frozen Berries Get Contaminated with E. coli?
Freezing does not kill E. coli, this is the critical public health fact at the center of this outbreak. The bacteria can survive for extended periods at sub-zero temperatures, meaning that IQF (individually quick frozen) processing, which rapidly freezes individual berries, does nothing to eliminate a pre-existing contamination.
Contamination most commonly enters the supply chain at the farm level, often through:
- Irrigation water contaminated with animal or human fecal matter
- Soil amendments such as improperly composted manure
- Handling and processing environments with inadequate sanitation
The organic certification of a product does not make it immune to E. coli contamination. Organic farming standards govern pesticide use, not pathogen control. This means frozen organic fruit carries the same microbial risk as conventional frozen fruit if the supply chain has a contamination point. A 2023 frozen fruit recall involving a different pathogen similarly demonstrated that the organic label provides no food safety guarantee against bacterial contamination.
Can Cooking Frozen Berries Kill E. coli?
Yes, cooking frozen berries to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) will kill E. coli O145 H28. However, most people consume frozen blueberries and berry blends raw, in smoothies, or thawed at room temperature, which does not achieve the temperatures needed to eliminate the bacteria.
If you have a recalled product and choose not to discard it, the only safe option is to cook it thoroughly. That said, the FDA and CDC recommend discarding recalled products entirely rather than attempting to make them safe through cooking, because uneven heating in home kitchens can leave cold spots where bacteria survive.
How to Get a Refund for Recalled Frozen Berries
Consumers can return recalled products to the point of purchase, Walmart or Publix, for a full refund, even without a receipt. Both retailers have been pulling the recalled product from shelves as part of the recall process. For questions about the recall or to report an illness, contact the FDA’s consumer complaint coordinator or call 1-800-FDA-1088. For health-related questions, contact your local or state health department.
Who to Contact About This Recall
For product-specific questions, contact the retailer where the frozen berries were purchased. For illness reporting and public health guidance, contact:
- FDA: FDA outbreak investigation page or 1-800-FDA-1088
- CDC: CDC E. coli outbreak page
- Your doctor or emergency room if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with E. coli infection or HUS
Health care providers who suspect E. coli O145 infection in a patient should report the case to their state or local health department, which will coordinate with the CDC as part of the ongoing outbreak investigation.
FAQ
What frozen berries have been recalled?
As of September 2026, the recalled frozen berries include the Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend (sold at Walmart), GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (sold at Publix). All are recalled due to potential contamination with E. coli O145 H28, traced to supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur in San Carlos, Chile. Check the FDA recall page for the most current lot codes.
Are frozen berries safe right now?
Frozen berries not included in the current recall are generally considered safe to eat. However, consumers should verify their specific product and lot code against the FDA’s updated recall list. If your product is not on the recalled list, there is no current public health advisory against eating it. When in doubt, cook berries before consuming them.
Can E. coli be found in frozen food?
Yes. E. coli can survive in frozen food for extended periods because freezing does not kill the bacteria, it only halts its growth. Once the food thaws, bacteria can become active again. The current 2026 outbreak confirms that E. coli O145 H28 was present in frozen blueberries and berry blends despite IQF processing. This is why the FDA issued a Class I recall.
Why are experts warning against frozen fruit?
Experts are warning consumers about frozen fruit because multiple recalls in recent years, including this 2026 E. coli O145 outbreak and a 2023 frozen fruit recall involving other pathogens, have revealed persistent supply-chain vulnerabilities. Freezing does not eliminate bacteria or parasites. Organic certification does not guarantee pathogen-free produce. Consumers should monitor the FDA recall database regularly and cook frozen fruit when possible, especially for high-risk individuals.
Conclusion
The 2026 recall of the Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend Because of Potential Contamination with Escherichia coli O145 H28 is a serious public health event affecting consumers at Walmart, Publix, and potentially other retailers. With 12 confirmed illnesses, 4 hospitalizations, and cases spread across 18 or more states, this outbreak demonstrates that frozen and organic do not mean safe from foodborne pathogens.
Actionable next steps:
- Check your freezer now. If you have any recalled product, Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend, GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, or GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, discard it or return it for a refund.
- Verify lot codes against the FDA’s official recall list.
- Sanitize any surfaces or containers that came into contact with recalled berries.
- Monitor the CDC outbreak page for updated case counts and newly affected products.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you develop bloody diarrhea, severe cramping, or signs of dehydration after consuming frozen berries.
Staying informed through official FDA and CDC channels is the most reliable way to protect yourself and your family during an active foodborne illness outbreak.
References
[1] Press Releases – https://presswire.com/press-releases/ [2] Company News – https://presswire.com/release_tag/company-news/ [3] Recall Issued For Berries Sold At Walmart Due To E Coli Risk – https://parade.com/food/recall-issued-for-berries-sold-at-walmart-due-to-e-coli-risk [4] Business – https://presswire.com/release_tag/business/ [5] Investigation – https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/blueberries-07-26/investigation.html [6] Outbreak Investigation E Coli O145h28 Frozen Blueberries July 2026 – https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o145h28-frozen-blueberries-july-2026 [7] Locations – https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/blueberries-07-26/locations.html [8] Fda Upgrades Recall Frozen Berries Highest Risk Warning – https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/08/20/fda-upgrades-recall-frozen-berries-highest-risk-warning/ [9] Frozen Fruit Recall June 2023 – https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/WIC-2018/Frozen-Fruit-RECALL-June-2023.pdf [10] Willamette Valley Fruit Co Recalls Great Value Sliced Strawberries Great Value Mixed Fruit Great – https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/willamette-valley-fruit-co-recalls-great-value-sliced-strawberries-great-value-mixed-fruit-great
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