8 ON YOUR SIDE CONSUMER ALERT: FDA upgrades Publix frozen berry recall to highest risk level

8 ON YOUR SIDE CONSUMER ALERT (WAKA) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now upgraded a recall of Publix frozen blueberries and mixed berries to the highest health risk level.

Last month, Publix announced a recall of four varieties of frozen GreenWise organic blueberries and mixed berries sold at stores in Alabama and seven other states over potential E. coli contamination.

The FDA is now categorizing it as a “Class 1” recall, which the agency assigns to product recalls “in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Twelve people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported in two states, according to the Centers for Disease Control. No deaths have been reported.

The following Publix products are being recalled. They should be thrown out or returned to Publix for a refund.

Their expiration dates are before Feb. 9, 2028.

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

E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases, the bacteria can cause kidney failure and be life-threatening.