The Trader Joe’s product was added to an expanded recall after a broader 2026 outbreak linked to frozen organic blueberries from the same supplier. Federal health officials reported 17 outbreak illnesses and six hospitalizations, but Trader Joe’s reported no illnesses specifically linked to its recalled blend. Consumers who still have the affected lot should not eat it and should discard or return it, while anyone who became ill after eating the berries should contact a healthcare provider.
Quick Facts
- Product: Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend, 12-ounce bag
- Identification: SKU 97765, lot code CF 6 051 01-5, Best Before February 20, 2028
- Hazard: Potential E. coli O145:H28 contamination from frozen blueberries
- Status: One Trader Joe’s lot recalled; no product-specific illnesses reported
Table Of Contents
- Latest Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Recall Developments
- What Is the Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Recall?
- Which Trader Joe’s Mixed Berry Blend Is Recalled?
- Why Was Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Recalled?
- Was Trader Joe’s Mixed Berry Blend Linked to Illnesses?
- How Large Was the Broader E. coli Outbreak?
- Where Was the Recalled Trader Joe’s Product Sold?
- What Is E. coli O145:H28?
- What Is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?
- Who Faces the Greatest Risk From E. coli?
- Why Can Frozen Berries Remain a Concern?
- What Should Consumers Do With Recalled Trader Joe’s Berries?
- What Does It Mean That the Outbreak Is Over?
- Why Did FDA Expand the Recall After the Outbreak Ended?
- Who May Be Affected?
- What Evidence May Matter in a Trader Joe’s Mixed Berry Claim?
- Who May Be Liable for an E. coli Berry Illness?
- Current Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Lawsuit and Recall Status
- Do I Qualify for a Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Claim?
- Legal Process for a Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Claim
- Compensation in an E. coli Foodborne Illness Case
- Important Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Recall Developments
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Lawsuit?
- Which Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend was recalled?
- Why was Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend recalled?
- Were any illnesses reported from the Trader Joe’s product?
- How many people became sick in the broader outbreak?
- Is the E. coli outbreak still active?
- What should I do with recalled Trader Joe’s berries?
- Can I file a Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Lawsuit?
- Do I Have a Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Lawsuit?
- References
Latest Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Recall Developments
October 2026
October 5, 2026 – FDA updated its frozen-blueberry outbreak investigation after the Trader Joe’s product was added to the expanded recall. FDA said the outbreak itself had already been declared over, but additional products were recalled after new information was obtained during an onsite foreign inspection of Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. [1]
October 2, 2026 – Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. expanded its recall to include one lot of Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend because frozen blueberries in the product could be contaminated with E. coli O145:H28. FDA identified the recalled product as a 12-ounce bag with lot code 6 051 01 and a Best Before date of February 20, 2028. [2]
October 2, 2026 – Trader Joe’s separately announced the recall of the affected lot, identified as SKU 97765 and code CF 6 051 01-5. The company stated that no illnesses related to its product had been reported and that no further expansion involving Trader Joe’s products was anticipated. [3]
September 2026
September 21, 2026 – CDC declared the broader E. coli O145 frozen-blueberry outbreak over after 17 illnesses were reported in Florida and Georgia. Six people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported; 11 of 13 interviewed patients reported eating frozen blueberries. [4]
What Is the Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Recall?
The recall involves one lot of Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend sold in 12-ounce frozen packages. The product contains strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
The affected berries were connected to Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile, which supplied frozen organic blueberries implicated in a broader E. coli O145:H28 investigation.
The Trader Joe’s product was added after the outbreak had been declared over because investigators obtained additional traceback information involving blueberries from the supplier.
Which Trader Joe’s Mixed Berry Blend Is Recalled?
Consumers can identify the affected product using the following information:
- Brand: Trader Joe’s
- Product: Organic Mixed Berry Blend
- Package size: 12 ounces
- SKU: 97765
- UPC: 00977654
- Lot code: CF 6 051 01-5
- FDA lot designation: 6 051 01
- Best Before date: February 20, 2028
- Country of origin: Chile
The recall applies to this specific lot rather than every Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend product.
Why Was Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Recalled?
The product was recalled because its frozen blueberries were included in an expanded recall involving possible contamination with E. coli O145:H28.
FDA said the expansion followed new information obtained during an onsite foreign inspection of Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. The agency had previously investigated frozen organic blueberries from the supplier during a multistate outbreak.
Was Trader Joe’s Mixed Berry Blend Linked to Illnesses?
Trader Joe’s stated that no illnesses had been reported specifically in connection with the recalled Organic Mixed Berry Blend.
The broader frozen-blueberry outbreak involved 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations, but those numbers should not be attributed specifically to the Trader Joe’s product.
CDC concluded that frozen organic blueberries supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. were contaminated with the outbreak strain and caused illnesses during the broader investigation.
How Large Was the Broader E. coli Outbreak?
Federal officials ultimately identified 17 people infected with the outbreak strain in Florida and Georgia. Illnesses began between May 11 and August 2, 2026.
Six patients were hospitalized, representing about 35% of the identified cases. No deaths were reported.
Among 13 patients who were interviewed about food exposures, 11 reported eating frozen blueberries before becoming ill.
Where Was the Recalled Trader Joe’s Product Sold?
Trader Joe’s reported that the recalled lot was sold in 26 states and the District of Columbia.
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- District of Columbia
Trader Joe’s specified that Pennsylvania distribution was limited to Pittsburgh-area stores.
What Is E. coli O145:H28?
E. coli O145:H28 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain of Escherichia coli, commonly abbreviated STEC.
STEC infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may become bloody, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms may begin several days after contaminated food is eaten and can sometimes take up to nine days to appear.
What Is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?
Some Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a serious complication that can damage the kidneys.
Warning signs can include reduced urination, extreme fatigue, unexplained bruising, blood in the urine, or decreased alertness. HUS can require hospitalization and urgent medical treatment.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk From E. coli?
Anyone can become infected, but young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems may face a greater risk of serious complications.
People who develop bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, dehydration, or symptoms suggesting HUS should seek medical evaluation.
Why Can Frozen Berries Remain a Concern?
Frozen fruit can remain in household freezers for long periods, and the recalled Trader Joe’s product carries a Best Before date extending into February 2028.
That long shelf life means recalled bags may still be stored in consumers’ homes even though the outbreak itself has ended and the product should no longer be available for sale.
What Should Consumers Do With Recalled Trader Joe’s Berries?
Consumers should not eat the recalled Organic Mixed Berry Blend.
Trader Joe’s instructed customers to discard the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s store for a full refund.
Consumers should also wash their hands and clean freezer surfaces, bowls, utensils, blenders, or other items that may have contacted the recalled berries.
What Does It Mean That the Outbreak Is Over?
CDC declared the broader outbreak over on September 21, 2026 because no additional outbreak illnesses had been identified within the relevant investigation period.
The later October recall expansion reflects additional product-traceback information rather than a newly reported wave of illnesses.
The outbreak’s ended status does not make recalled frozen berries safe to eat if they remain in a consumer’s freezer.
Why Did FDA Expand the Recall After the Outbreak Ended?
FDA said additional recalled products were identified after investigators obtained new information during an onsite foreign inspection of Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.
FDA also stated that the company had not previously provided all records the agency voluntarily requested during the outbreak investigation.
Frozen blueberries from the supplier were added to FDA Import Alert 99-35, allowing products offered for entry into the United States to be detained without physical examination.
Who May Be Affected?
Consumers who purchased Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend bearing lot code CF 6 051 01-5 and the February 20, 2028 Best Before date may have received recalled product.
Someone who ate the berries and later developed laboratory-confirmed E. coli infection may want to preserve the package, purchase information, medical records, laboratory results, and information showing when the berries were eaten.
What Evidence May Matter in a Trader Joe’s Mixed Berry Claim?
- The original frozen berry package or photographs
- SKU 97765
- Lot code CF 6 051 01-5
- Best Before date of February 20, 2028
- Trader Joe’s purchase records
- Medical records documenting E. coli infection
- Laboratory testing identifying STEC
Foodborne-illness claims generally depend on evidence connecting a particular food exposure to a medically documented infection.
Who May Be Liable for an E. coli Berry Illness?
Potential liability depends on the facts and applicable law. Growers, processors, exporters, importers, distributors, retailers, and other businesses in the food supply chain may potentially be evaluated.
Possible claims may involve negligence, defective food products, breach of warranty, or other state-law theories. A recall or outbreak association does not automatically establish civil liability against Trader Joe’s, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., or another company.
Current Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Lawsuit and Recall Status
The broader E. coli O145:H28 outbreak has been declared over, but the Trader Joe’s product recall was announced afterward on October 2, 2026.
The cited FDA and CDC materials do not announce a nationwide class action, multidistrict litigation proceeding, or coordinated personal-injury settlement specifically involving Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend.
Individual legal review may still be appropriate for a consumer who developed a medically documented E. coli infection after eating recalled product.
Do I Qualify for a Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Claim?
- Did you eat Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend from lot CF 6 051 01-5?
- Did you develop severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, or other E. coli symptoms?
- Were you diagnosed with E. coli, hospitalized, or treated for a serious complication such as HUS?
- Can you document the product, purchase, laboratory testing, or medical treatment?
Answering yes to one or more questions does not automatically establish a lawsuit. An attorney can review the recalled product, exposure history, laboratory evidence, medical records, and applicable filing deadlines to determine whether further investigation may be appropriate.
Legal Process for a Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Claim
- Free case review. An attorney reviews the berry exposure, illness, treatment, and available documentation.
- Investigation. Evidence may include packaging, purchase records, laboratory findings, medical records, outbreak information, and FDA documents.
- Filing. If the evidence and applicable law support a claim, a foodborne-illness lawsuit may be filed against one or more potentially responsible parties.
- Discovery/negotiation. The parties may exchange records, obtain testimony, consult medical or food-safety experts, and discuss possible resolution.
- Resolution. A case may conclude through settlement, dismissal, court ruling, or trial depending on its facts and procedural history.
Compensation in an E. coli Foodborne Illness Case
Depending on the circumstances, a claim may seek damages for hospitalization, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, kidney complications, future treatment, and other losses permitted under applicable law.
Compensation amounts vary by case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Important Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Recall Developments
| Event | Month/Year | Type | Status | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDA Outbreak Update | October 2026 | FDA Investigation | Outbreak ended | [1] | Additional products recalled |
| Trader Joe’s Recall | October 2026 | Food Recall | Announced | [2] | One berry-blend lot |
| Trader Joe’s Customer Notice | October 2026 | Retail Recall | Announced | [3] | No product illnesses reported |
| CDC Outbreak Closure | September 2026 | Outbreak Investigation | Ended | [4] | Seventeen cases total |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Lawsuit?
The Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Lawsuit topic concerns potential foodborne-illness claims involving recalled frozen berries and possible E. coli O145:H28 exposure. Any individual claim depends on evidence of exposure, medical diagnosis, causation, damages, and applicable law.
Which Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend was recalled?
The recall covers one lot of 12-ounce Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend. The affected product carries SKU 97765, lot code CF 6 051 01-5, and a Best Before date of February 20, 2028.
Why was Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend recalled?
The product may contain frozen blueberries supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. that could be contaminated with E. coli O145:H28. The Trader Joe’s lot was added during an October 2026 expansion of earlier blueberry recalls.
Were any illnesses reported from the Trader Joe’s product?
Trader Joe’s stated that no illnesses had been reported specifically in connection with its recalled Organic Mixed Berry Blend. The broader blueberry outbreak involved 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations.
How many people became sick in the broader outbreak?
CDC reported 17 cases in Florida and Georgia, including six hospitalizations. No deaths were reported.
Is the E. coli outbreak still active?
No. CDC declared the broader outbreak over on September 21, 2026, although additional frozen berry products were recalled afterward based on new traceback information.
What should I do with recalled Trader Joe’s berries?
Do not eat them. Trader Joe’s advises customers to discard the recalled product or return it to any Trader Joe’s store for a full refund.
Can I file a Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Lawsuit?
A consumer who developed medically documented E. coli infection after eating the recalled berry blend may warrant individual legal review. The recall itself does not establish liability, and any claim depends on product identification, exposure, diagnosis, causation, damages, and applicable law.
Do I Have a Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one developed a serious E. coli infection after eating recalled Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend, you may have legal options. Contact Schmidt & Clark for a free case review.
References
[1] https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o145h28-frozen-blueberries-july-2026
[2] https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frutas-y-hortalizas-del-sur-sa-expands-recalls-include-additional-lots-great-value-frozen-organic
[3] https://www.traderjoes.com/home/announcements?category=recalls&id=29125012
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/blueberries-07-26/investigation.html