If you have frozen berries in your freezer, you may want to check the packaging. Berries are typically great for your health, but not if there’s harmful bacteria involved. A recall connected to an ongoing E. coli outbreak has expanded to include a frozen berry product sold at Walmart stores in 16 states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The recall involves Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, a 10-ounce frozen fruit mix containing strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. The product was made by the same Chilean supplier whose frozen blueberries were previously linked to the E. coli investigation.
In fact, this is the latest development in the frozen berry recall we reported on last month. At the time, Publix recalled several GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed berry products sold in eight states after the FDA and CDC linked them to an E. coli outbreak. Here’s what shoppers should know about that earlier blueberry recall.
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What frozen berries were recalled?
Check your freezer! The newly recalled Walmart product is:
- Product: Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend
- Size: 10 ounces
- Lot code: 6040 01-6
- Best by date: February 9, 2028
- UPC: 7874211226
The affected bags were sold at Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.
Why Are The Berries Being Recalled?
The berries may be contaminated with E. coli O145, the same strain involved in the ongoing outbreak investigation. According to the FDA, the broader outbreak has been linked to frozen organic blueberries supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile.
The Walmart recall is being issued as a precaution based on traceability information. So far, no illnesses have been specifically linked to the recalled Great Value Triple Berry Blend, although the broader outbreak has sickened people and resulted in hospitalizations.
What Should Shoppers Do?
If you have the recalled product, do not eat it. The FDA recommends throwing it away or returning it to Walmart for a refund.
E. coli infections can cause symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Some infections can become serious and lead to complications including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure.
The investigation is ongoing, so shoppers should keep an eye out for additional recalls or updates as officials work to determine the full scope of the outbreak. Staying on top of recalls like this is an important part of keeping you and your family healthy.
Stay safe!
