A recall of frozen fruit first issued in July that has sickened more than a dozen people has been expanded to cover another product sold in 16 states. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., based in San Carlos, Chile, is adding one lot of 10-ounce Great Value frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend to its recall because of possible contamination with E. coli.
The product was shipped to select Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.
The affected lot code is 6040 01-6, with a best if used by date of February 9, 2028.
How the recall started
The original recall was issued on July 3 and covered 10-ounce bags of Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries shipped to Publix stores in eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Later that month, Publix widened its own recall to include all lots of GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries, in both 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags. All of the products carry the same best by date of February 9, 2028.
Infections and hospitalizations
According to the Food and Drug Administration, based on data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Florida Department of Health, 17 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli across two states, Georgia and Florida.
Eleven of 13 cases who were interviewed reported eating frozen blueberries. Six people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
Officials are urging anyone with the recalled products in their possession not to eat them, and to discard the items or return them to the place of purchase.
The bacteria behind the recall
The contamination concern centers on E. coli O145:H28, a strain of the bacteria that is more likely than others to cause bloody diarrhea and severe symptoms. People infected with the strain also face a higher risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome, known as HUS, a lifelong kidney complication.
Children under five and people with weakened immune systems are considered most at risk from the infection.
Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur said in its recall notice that it is working with health agencies on the matter. It was not clear how the fruit became contaminated, though this can happen when produce is treated with water containing animal feces.
E. coli bacteria stop growing at temperatures below 45.5F (7.5C) but can survive freezing, withstanding temperatures as low as -112F (-80C). Once the fruit returns to a warmer environment, the bacteria can reactivate and begin growing again, potentially causing an infection.
Understanding the health risks
E. coli is a Shiga toxin-producing bacteria that typically causes illness two to eight days after exposure. Most patients develop bloody diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps, and recover within a week. In more severe cases, some go on to develop HUS, a form of kidney failure.
HUS can occur in anyone but is most common among children under five, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms include easy bruising, decreased urine output and a pale appearance. In severe or life-threatening cases, a kidney transplant may be necessary.
An estimated 90,000 Americans and at least 1,500 people in Britain are sickened by E. coli every year, and roughly 100 people die from the infection in the two countries combined annually. Health officials note that cases are likely undercounted, since most people recover without complication and never get tested for the bacteria.
