An expanded recall of organic frozen berries includes a product sold at Walmart stores across 16 states over potential E. coli contamination. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., based in San Carlos, Chile, recalled a lot of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend due to potential contamination with E. coli O145, according to a notice by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Ongoing E. coli Outbreak Investigation

The recall relates to a multistate E. coli outbreak investigation connected to organic frozen blueberries provided by the company. E. coli O145 can result in severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, potentially bloody, and vomiting, as per the FDA.

Most healthy individuals recover within a week, but some infections may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe condition causing kidney failure. At higher risk are young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Important Product Information

The affected product is Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, sold in 10-ounce packages containing strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. The packages feature a “Best If Used By” date of February 9, 2028, UPC 7874211226, and lot code 6040 01-6 on the front.

The product was distributed to select Walmart stores in 16 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. Consumers should check their freezers and refrain from consuming the affected product, instead opting to discard it or return it to Walmart for a full refund.

Investigation and Safety Measures

The Great Value recall is part of an ongoing federal investigation into E. coli O145:H28 infections linked to organic frozen blueberries provided by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur. A prior recall in July covered GreenWise frozen blueberry and mixed berry products sold at Publix. The FDA marked it as Class I, its highest risk level, indicating exposure to the products can cause serious health issues or death.

As of July 30, the FDA noted 12 illnesses in Florida and Georgia, including four hospitalizations, but no deaths. The investigation prompted Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur to expand its recall on September 2, including the affected Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend lot, following traceback data from the previous recall. The FDA reports no illnesses connected to the Great Value product, noting the recall enlargement is a precautionary action due to traceback data from the previous recall.

Newsweek contacted Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A for further details.

Broader Food Safety Concerns

The berry recall occurs amid various federal investigations into foodborne illnesses involving pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Cyclospora. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 18,445 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness from the Cyclospora parasite, since May 1. Confirmed cases arose in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

An outbreak associated with recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico contributed to the rise. In July, Taylor Fresh Foods recalled the lettuce due to potential Cyclospora contamination.

For further details, contact Newsweek editors Samantha Beech and Gray R. Thomas.