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

Recalled GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and whole mixed berries sold at Publix have been linked to an E. coli O145:H28 outbreak. FDA counted 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations in Florida and Georgia, with no deaths reported. Two individual lawsuits over the berries have been filed in Florida state courts. One alleges a wrongful death. The complaints allege that Publix sold an unsafe product. No class action or MDL has been reported. The outbreak was declared over on September 21, 2026. If you ate the recalled berries, stop eating them and check your freezer.

Latest GreenWise Organic Blueberries Lawsuit Updates

October 2, 2026: Supplier Expands Recall to Great Value and Trader Joe’s

FDA reported that Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. expanded its recall again on October 2, 2026 [1]. The expansion adds Great Value organic triple berry blend and organic blueberries, and Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend. FDA updated its page on October 5. It says the expansion followed new information from an onsite foreign inspection, and the firm did not provide all records the agency asked for.

September 23, 2026: Wrongful-Death Suit Reported Against Publix and Quirch Foods

Fox Business reported a wrongful-death lawsuit against Publix and Quirch Foods in Pinellas County Circuit Court [2]. The suit alleges Karla Mullins died June 20 after eating GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries. The complaint identifies Quirch Foods as an intermediate distributor. It also alleges her son was hospitalized. The suit says she bought the berries at a Publix on Ulmerton Road in Largo. These are allegations, not findings.

September 21, 2026: CDC Declares the Outbreak Over

CDC declared the outbreak over on September 21, 2026, and FDA says its investigation is complete. FDA’s outbreak page gives a final tally of 17 illnesses, six hospitalizations and no deaths, all in Florida and Georgia. No new illnesses have been reported since the outbreak ended. The count rose from twelve illnesses in early July to 17 in the final tally.

September 11, 2026: Great Value Lot Clarified as Sold in 26 States

On September 11, 2026, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur clarified that Great Value triple berry lot 6040 01-6 was sold at Walmart in 26 states and Puerto Rico. Check your freezer bags against that lot code.

September 2, 2026: Recall Expands to a Great Value Triple Berry Lot

On September 2, 2026, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur expanded its recall to one lot of Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend. The 10-ounce bags carry lot code 6040 01-6 and a Best By date of February 9, 2028.

August 20, 2026: News4JAX Reports Class I Classification

News4JAX reported that FDA upgraded the Publix GreenWise recall to Class I [3]. The report also relays FDA advice to clean surfaces that touched the berries. The recall covers four GreenWise frozen berry products.

July 30, 2026: FDA Updates Its Outbreak Advisory

FDA updated its outbreak advisory on July 30, 2026 to describe the Publix all-lots recall of the GreenWise berries. The update followed a remote regulatory assessment of the Chilean packer. FDA also added products from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur to Import Alert 99-35. It tells people not to eat the recalled berries and to check their freezers.

July 29, 2026: Publix Recalls All Lots of GreenWise Berries

Publix announced a recall of all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries on July 29, 2026 [4]. The recall covers four products sold in eight states. The 10-ounce and 48-ounce bags of each product are included. FDA posted the notice on July 30, and Publix offers a full refund for the berries.

July 13, 2026: Cash Family Files First Lawsuit

Oscar and Roberta Cash filed the first lawsuit in Palm Beach County Circuit Court on July 13, 2026, News4JAX reported [5]. The complaint accuses Publix of strict liability, negligence and breach of implied warranties. The lawsuit says Roberta Cash spent 10 days in Jupiter Medical Center and about 18 more days in a nursing facility.

July 6, 2026: FDA and CDC Report Twelve Illnesses

FDA and CDC reported twelve illnesses in Florida and Georgia on July 6, 2026 [6]. Four people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. FDA’s July 6 update described the cases as people infected with the outbreak strain.

July 3, 2026: Supplier Recalls One Lot of Frozen Blueberries

On July 3, 2026, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur recalled one lot of 10-ounce GreenWise Organic IQF Frozen Blueberries. The lot code is 60401. The supplier recall came first, before Publix recalled all lots on July 29.

What Is E. Coli O145:H28?

According to the supplier’s recall notice, E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, that can cause illness [7]. E. coli O145:H28 is the strain tied to the recalled GreenWise berries, which FDA and CDC linked to illnesses in Florida and Georgia.

Who May Be Affected?

Anyone who ate recalled GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries or whole mixed berries bought at Publix may be affected. The berries were shipped to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The four recalled Publix 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 same applies to people who ate recalled Great Value or Trader Joe’s frozen berry lots. FDA and CDC counted illnesses with onset from May 11, 2026 to August 2, 2026 in Florida and Georgia. Only an individual legal review can say whether you qualify, so a lawyer should look at your own facts and records.

Reported Injuries or Damages

FDA says 11 of 13 interviewed cases, or 85%, reported eating frozen blueberries. As of July, the Cash complaint says people affected by the outbreak ranged in age from 2 to 88. FDA collected finished product samples in the US, and all were negative. Publix tested its own GreenWise frozen blueberries, and one sample tested positive for the strain that made people sick. FDA said its remote assessment of the Chilean packer raised concerns about at least one other lot of blueberries used in more frozen GreenWise products. The Cash and Mullins complaints allege serious illness, hospitalization and one death, according to News4JAX and Fox Business. These are allegations, not findings.

Recall and Regulatory Background

FDA says the Publix recall has been completed and terminated. The supplier’s September 2 and October 2 expansions cover Great Value and Trader Joe’s lots. A recall does not prove that a product caused any illness or that anyone is liable. For a related recall, see our Great Value organic triple berry blend lawsuit page. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said there is no indication the recalled berries were distributed in Canada, Global News reported [8].

Evidence to Preserve

Keep the following items, because they may support any claim you later bring:

• Original packaging with the UPC, lot code and Best By date, if you still have it
• Purchase receipts, plus Publix account or loyalty card records
• Photographs of the product and its packaging
• Medical records, lab or stool test results and hospital bills
• A log of your symptoms and the dates they began
• Messages with Publix, the supplier or health officials

Filing Deadlines

Time limits for an injury claim come from state law. The limit that applies to you depends on where you live and when you were hurt. The date of your illness and the date of your diagnosis can both matter when the time limit is counted. If you miss the deadline for a berry illness claim, a court may refuse to hear it. A lawyer can tell you which limit applies to your berry illness, so ask soon.

Potential Compensation

The Cash complaint seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages. It also seeks other economic and noneconomic losses. No settlement or verdict has been reported in either suit. Compensation amounts vary by case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Your medical records and facts shape any potential compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a GreenWise Organic Blueberries Lawsuit Against Publix?

Is there a GreenWise organic blueberries lawsuit against Publix? Yes, two families have sued, and the Mullins complaint accuses Publix and Quirch Foods of selling a defective and unreasonably dangerous product. Those statements are allegations.

What Symptoms Should I Watch for After Eating Recalled Berries?

After eating recalled berries, watch for severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, fever, nausea and vomiting. They start a few days to nine days after eating contaminated food. Contact a health care provider immediately if you have symptoms.

What Should I Do with Recalled Frozen Blueberries?

With recalled frozen blueberries, discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Publix offers a full refund, and Publix Customer Care is at (800) 242-1227, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

What Does the Research Say About E. Coli and Kidney Failure?

On E. coli and kidney failure, FDA says some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. It also lists high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and neurologic problems as possible complications.

Are Other Brands of Frozen Blueberries Recalled?

Are other brands of frozen blueberries recalled? Yes. The October 2 expansion covers five Great Value lots, 6 031 01, 6 041 01, 6 019 01, 6 040 01 and 6 163 01, and Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend lot 6 051 01.

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-frozen-blueberries-july-2026
2. https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/florida-woman-died-eating-e-coli-tainted-frozen-blueberries-publix-lawsuit-alleges
3. https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/08/20/fda-upgrades-publix-greenwise-organic-frozen-berry-recall-to-highest-risk-over-e-coli-link/
4. 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
5. https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/07/13/florida-couple-sues-publix-after-wife-hospitalized-with-e-coli-linked-to-greenwise-organic-blueberries/
6. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o145h28-frozen-blueberries-july-2026
7. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frutas-y-hortalizas-del-sur-sa-initiates-recall-frozen-greenwise-organic-iqf-blueberries-due
8. https://globalnews.ca/news/12029890/e-coli-outbreak-us-canada/