GreenWise Organic Blueberries Lawsuit Update: Injuries, Recall Status, and Legal Options

The July 29, 2026 expansion covers four GreenWise frozen berry products in 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages sold through Publix stores in eight states. The action broadens an earlier July 3 recall that involved only one 10-ounce blueberry lot.

Consumers should not eat recalled berries and should discard them or return them to Publix for a refund. Anyone diagnosed with E. coli after eating the products should preserve packaging, receipts, purchase records, laboratory results, and medical documentation for individualized legal review.

Quick Facts

• Publix recalled all lots of four GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries products on July 29, 2026.
• The outbreak includes 12 reported illnesses in Florida and Georgia, four hospitalizations, and no deaths.
• The recalled products were distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
• FDA says the outbreak investigation remains ongoing and has taken additional import action involving the Chilean supplier.

Latest GreenWise Organic Blueberries Recall and Lawsuit Developments

July 2026

• July 30, 2026 – FDA updated its outbreak investigation after Publix expanded the recall to all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries in 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages. FDA also reported concerns involving at least one additional blueberry lot and said products from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. had been added to Import Alert 99-35 [1]
• July 30, 2026 – CDC advised consumers not to eat any recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries or whole mixed berries and confirmed that all lots of the affected products were included. CDC reported 12 outbreak illnesses, with serious infections capable of progressing to hemolytic uremic syndrome [2]
• July 29, 2026 – Publix announced an expanded recall covering all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries in four package configurations. The company said the expansion followed traceback and epidemiological information developed during the outbreak investigation [3]
• July 6, 2026 – FDA and CDC reported 12 E. coli O145:H28 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, including four hospitalizations and no deaths. Eleven cases were reported in Florida and one in Georgia, with illness onset dates ranging from May 11 through June 5 [1]
• July 3, 2026 – Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. initiated the original recall of 10-ounce GreenWise Organic IQF Frozen Blueberries with lot code 60401 and Best By date February 9, 2028. That recall was later superseded by the broader Publix action involving all lots of four products [4]

What Is the GreenWise Organic Blueberries Recall?

The current recall is broader than the initial July 3 action. Publix now recalls all lots of four GreenWise frozen berry products because of potential E. coli O145:H28 contamination.

The affected products are:

• GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 10 ounces: UPC 41415-06453
• GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries, 48 ounces: UPC 41415-12053
• GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 10 ounces: UPC 41415-06753
• GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries, 48 ounces: UPC 41415-12153

The products were distributed to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. FDA cautions that distribution could extend farther as the investigation continues.

The original supplier recall involved only GreenWise Organic IQF Frozen Blueberries in 10-ounce packages with lot code 60401 and a February 9, 2028 Best By date. Consumers should no longer rely solely on that lot number because Publix’s later recall covers all lots of the four products listed above.

Why Was the GreenWise Recall Expanded?

FDA says it conducted a remote regulatory assessment of Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. in San Carlos, Chile, and collected records concerning the company’s procedures and hazard controls.

Based on those findings, FDA identified concerns involving at least one other lot of blueberries that had been used in additional GreenWise frozen products. Publix then expanded its action to include all lots of Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries.

FDA also reported concerns involving other products from the Chilean supplier that had not entered the U.S. market. Products from the firm were added to Import Alert 99-35, meaning certain shipments offered for U.S. entry may be detained without physical examination.

What Is E. Coli O145:H28?

E. coli O145:H28 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain of Escherichia coli, often referred to as STEC. These bacteria can cause significant gastrointestinal illness and, in some patients, serious complications affecting the kidneys and other organs.

CDC identifies severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody, as common symptoms of diarrheal E. coli infection. Vomiting and a low fever may also occur [5]

CDC reports that symptoms in this outbreak generally begin three to four days after exposure, while FDA states symptoms can occur from a few days after eating contaminated food through approximately nine days later.

Reported Illnesses and Hospitalizations

As of FDA’s July 30 update, 12 people infected with the outbreak strain had been reported from two states. Eleven illnesses occurred in Florida and one occurred in Georgia.

Illness onset dates ranged from May 11 through June 5, 2026. Among nine people interviewed, seven reported eating frozen blueberries, and five specifically reported GreenWise organic frozen blueberries purchased from Publix.

Four people were hospitalized. No deaths had been reported as of the latest FDA and CDC updates.

FDA continues to describe the investigation as ongoing. The current case count therefore reflects reported cases known to public-health agencies at the time of the latest update rather than a guarantee that no additional illnesses exist.

What Is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?

Some STEC infections can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. CDC describes HUS as a serious medical complication that can cause kidney failure, permanent health problems, or death [6]

Warning signs include decreased or absent urination, pale coloring in the cheeks or lower eyelids, unexplained bruising or small red spots, blood in the urine, extreme tiredness or irritability, and decreased alertness.

CDC states that HUS is a medical emergency and that people who develop it should be hospitalized. Anyone who develops these symptoms after a diarrheal illness should seek immediate medical attention.

What Should Consumers Do?

Consumers should not eat any recalled GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries or Whole Mixed Berries. The products should be thrown away or returned to Publix for a full refund.

CDC and FDA also advise cleaning and sanitizing items, surfaces, or containers that may have contacted the recalled berries. Consumers who froze berries outside the original packaging and cannot determine whether they are recalled should discard them.

Consumers who develop severe or persistent symptoms should contact a health care provider. CDC specifically advises seeking medical care for bloody diarrhea, prolonged diarrhea, high fever, severe vomiting that prevents fluid intake, or signs of dehydration.

How Could Frozen Blueberries Become Contaminated?

FDA has not publicly identified a final contamination source. The agency says it and state partners are continuing to determine how the berries became contaminated.

Its investigation includes review of procedures and hazard controls at Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. FDA’s remote regulatory assessment led to concerns involving an additional blueberry lot and prompted broader regulatory action.

Because the source remains under investigation, the article should not attribute contamination to a particular field, water source, employee practice, processing step, or sanitation failure without supporting evidence.

Who May Be Affected?

Consumers may be affected if they ate recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries or mixed berries directly or used them in smoothies, yogurt, baked goods, cereals, desserts, or other foods.

Exposure can also occur when another person prepares the recalled berries. A claimant does not necessarily have to be the person who purchased the package from Publix.

The long freezer life of these products makes identification especially important. Consumers may still have recalled bags stored long after the recall announcement.

Who May Be Liable?

Potentially responsible parties may include a producer, processor, packer, importer, distributor, retailer, or another company involved in placing contaminated food into commerce.

Potential claims may involve negligence, strict product liability, breach of warranty, violations of applicable food-safety requirements, or other theories available under state law.

Recall participation and outbreak inclusion do not automatically establish liability in an individual case. A legal review may examine purchase evidence, consumption history, symptom timing, laboratory testing, medical records, outbreak evidence, and the applicable jurisdiction.

Do I Qualify?

• Did you eat GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries or Whole Mixed Berries included in the expanded recall?
• Did you develop severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, or another E. coli-related illness after eating the berries?
• Were you diagnosed with E. coli O145:H28, another STEC infection, HUS, or a related complication requiring medical treatment?
• Do you have packaging, receipts, Publix purchase records, photographs, laboratory results, medical records, or leftover product?

An individualized legal review can determine whether product identification, exposure timing, laboratory evidence, medical records, damages, and applicable filing deadlines support a potential claim.

What Evidence Should I Preserve?

Preserve the original product packaging, UPC, lot information when available, receipts, Publix account history, order records, photographs, and any communications concerning the recall or outbreak.

Medical evidence may include emergency-room records, physician notes, stool-culture or molecular test results, hospitalization records, kidney-function testing, HUS documentation, dialysis records, and follow-up treatment.

If recalled berries remain in your possession, do not eat them. Photograph the product and identifying information before following public-health disposal or return instructions, particularly if an illness has occurred.

Do I Have a GreenWise Organic Blueberries Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one developed E. coli illness after eating recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries or mixed berries, you may have legal options. Contact Schmidt & Clark for a free case review.

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Important Legal Actions or Recalls

Potential Compensation

Potential compensation may include emergency treatment, physician care, laboratory testing, hospitalization, medication, kidney monitoring, dialysis, specialist treatment, and future medical expenses related to a documented infection.

Additional damages may include lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, long-term kidney complications, neurological effects, travel expenses, caregiving costs, and other losses recoverable under applicable law.

Compensation amounts vary by case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Legal Process Overview

Free case review: The initial review may address the recalled GreenWise product, purchase history, consumption date, symptom timeline, diagnosis, medical treatment, and available evidence.

Investigation. Attorneys may review packaging, Publix records, receipts, laboratory testing, medical records, outbreak data, distribution records, and other evidence connecting the illness to recalled berries.

Filing. A lawsuit may be filed when available evidence and governing law support one or more claims. Filing deadlines vary by jurisdiction.

Discovery/negotiation: The parties may exchange production records, hazard-control documents, testing results, distribution records, medical evidence, expert opinions, and outbreak-investigation materials while discussing possible resolution.

Resolution: A case may conclude through settlement, dismissal, court ruling, or trial. No outcome, compensation amount, or timeline can be guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions About GreenWise Organic Blueberries

Do I Have a GreenWise Organic Blueberries Lawsuit?

A potential claim may warrant review if you developed a documented E. coli infection after eating recalled GreenWise frozen blueberries or mixed berries. Eligibility depends on exposure evidence, diagnosis, medical causation, damages, and applicable law.

What Evidence May Support a GreenWise Organic Blueberries Lawsuit?

Useful evidence may include packaging, UPC information, lot information, receipts, Publix purchase records, photographs, laboratory results, medical records, and any remaining product. Evidence showing when the berries were eaten and when symptoms began can also be important.

What GreenWise Frozen Berries Are Recalled?

The expanded recall covers all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries in 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages. Consumers should no longer rely only on the original lot 60401 recall criteria.

How Many People Became Sick?

FDA and CDC report 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia. Four people were hospitalized, and no deaths had been reported as of the July 30, 2026 update.

Why Was the Recall Expanded?

FDA identified concerns involving at least one additional blueberry lot during its regulatory assessment of the supplier. Publix then recalled all lots of four GreenWise frozen berry products as the outbreak investigation continued.

Can E. Coli Infection Cause Kidney Failure?

Yes. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause HUS, a serious complication that may lead to kidney failure and permanent health problems. CDC describes HUS as a medical emergency requiring immediate care.

What Should I Do With Recalled GreenWise Berries?

Do not eat them. Throw the recalled berries away or return them to Publix for a refund, and clean items or surfaces that may have contacted the product.

What If I Removed the Berries From Their Original Package?

If you cannot determine whether frozen berries are part of the recall, FDA and CDC recommend discarding them. Do not taste the berries to determine whether they are safe.

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o145h28-frozen-blueberries-july-2026
2. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/blueberries-07-26/index.html
3. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/publix-recalls-all-lots-greenwise-organic-frozen-blueberries-and-whole-mixed-berries-due-potential-e
4. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frutas-y-hortalizas-del-sur-sa-initiates-recall-frozen-greenwise-organic-iqf-blueberries-due
5. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/signs-symptoms/index.html
6. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/signs-symptoms/hus.html