By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Alabama consumers are being urged to check their freezers after federal investigators linked recalled frozen blueberries and mixed berries to a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said epidemiological, laboratory and traceback evidence connected the illnesses to frozen organic blueberries supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. The outbreak investigation was closed Sept. 21, but recalled products may remain in household freezers because their expiration dates extend into 2028.
The recall includes 10-ounce packages of Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend with lot code 60401-6 and a Feb. 9, 2028, best-by date. The product was distributed to Walmart stores in Alabama and 25 other states, as well as Puerto Rico.
All lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold through Publix were also recalled. Earlier action covered 10-ounce GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries with lot code 60401 and the same 2028 best-by date. Those products were distributed in Alabama and seven other Southeastern states.
Consumers should not eat the recalled berries, even if the packages have been opened without anyone becoming sick. The CDC recommends throwing them away or returning them to the store.
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea that may become bloody. Symptoms commonly begin three to four days after exposure. Although many people recover within a week, some develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can damage the kidneys and require hospitalization.
People who develop severe symptoms after eating recalled berries should contact a healthcare provider and report what they consumed.