By admin Publix recalled all lots of two GreenWise frozen fruit products with organic blueberries linked to an outbreak of a potentially deadly form of E. coli.
Read more SC Democrat Jermaine Johnson picks running mate. Here’s who he wants as Lt. Gov.
This covers 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags of both GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries sold in stores in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia.
July started with Chilean manufacturer Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., recalling only lot No. 60401 of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries after the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services told the Centers for Disease Control about a cluster of E. coli illnesses.
READ MORE: Publix fruit recalled after 12 customers got E. coli-linked stomach illnesses
But, in posting that recall, Publix included its recommendation that customers dump or return all Greenwise Whole Blueberries bought before July 3.
Wednesday’s recall expansion by Publix puts muscle behind that recommendation.
“Based on the public health officials’ product traceback and epidemiological information,” the supermarket chain’s announcement said, “Publix is now taking further action out of an abundance of caution to recall all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries.”
“Check your freezers for recalled berries and throw them away or return the product to the place of purchase,” Thursday’s update from the Food and Drug Administration stated. “If you froze a product without the original packaging and can’t tell if it’s part of the recall, throw it away.”
Read more Driver killed when truck runs off SC road and crashes multiple times, cops say
Whether returning it or putting it with the refuse, do not serve it or eat it. E. coli O145:H28 is a Shiga-toxin form of E. coli, so in addition to bloody diarrhea, vomiting and stomaches, it can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). That’s a form of kidney failure that can turn E. coli into a fatal foodborne illness.
Direct questions about the recall to Publix at 800-242-1227, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What’s going on with the E. coli outbreak?
Thursday’s CDC update on the outbreak showed no change in people sickened (12), hospitalized (four) and their home states (Florida for 11, Georgia for one).
Children under 5, adults over 65 and people with damaged immune systems tend to get the worst of E. coli.
READ MORE: Publix fruit infected a South Florida couple in E. coli outbreak, lawsuit says
The Palm Beach County couple who has filed a lawsuit against Publix over their E. coli illnesses, Roberta Cash and Oscar Cash, are 88 and 89, respectively.
Read more See an alligator in your SC yard? If you’re in a HOA, it’s up to them how to handle it