The GreenWise blueberries E.coli O145 outbreak has ended with 17 people sick in two states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This number has not changed since the last update was issued on September 3, 2026. Several recalls were issued during this outbreak. The berries were sold frozen.
The case count by state is: Georgia (4), and Florida (13). Illness onset dates range from May 11, 2026 to August 2, 2026. Of 17 people who gave information to public health officials, six have been hospitalized, for a hospitalization rate of 35%. The patient age range is from two to 88 years.
Epidemiological and traceback evidence shows that frozen blueberries supplied by Frustas y Hortalizas del Sur in Chile may be contaminated with this pathogen and may be making people sick. Of the 13 people interviewed by public health officials, 11, or 85%, said they ate frozen blueberries the week before they got sick.
On July 3, 2026, Publix recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries. That recall was expanded to include whole mixed berries and all lots of the blueberries and the berry mix on July 29, 2026. They were distributed to the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. On August 31, 2026, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. recalled frozen blueberries.
Finally, on September 2, 2026, the recall was expanded again to include Great Value frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend sold at Walmart stores in these states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
DNA fingerprinting using whole genome sequencing showed that bacteria from patient samples were closely related genetically. That means that people in this outbreak likely got sick from eating the same food. Publix collected and tested product samples of the blueberries, and one tested positive for the same strain of E. coli that caused the outbreak. Finally, the FDA conducted traceback and identified Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. as the supplier of frozen organic blueberries in this outbreak.
If you bought ny of the recalled blueberries, do not eat them. Throw them away or take them back to the place of purchase for a refund. If you ate these blueberries and have been ill with the symptoms of an E. coli infection, see your doctor. You may be part of this outbreak. If anyone ate the blueberries and is exhibiting symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that typically affects people under the age of five, they need to see a doctor immediately.
