Fruit recalled at SC Publix grocery stores after stomach illness reports

Frozen organic blueberries sold at Publix have been recalled due to the possibility they are contaminated with a harmful strain of E. Coli bacteria, which can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

Twelve cases of stomach illness have been reported between May 11 and June 5, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The berries are from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. in San Carlos, Chile and were shipped to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

The company said in an announcement they received reports of consumers who consumed the berries have had digestive illnesses, initiating the recall.

“Consumers who have frozen GreenWise blueberry products with the affected lot date should not consume it,” the company said. “The product should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

Publix said in its announcement that most healthy individuals recover within a week, but some may experience a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. That is more likely in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

An estimated 100 people die of e.coli in the United States in any given year, with one or two being in South Carolina, the FDA said.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health said most strains of Escherichia coli (more commonly known as E. coli) are harmless and naturally found in a healthy digestive system.

“They assist in food digestion, vitamin production, and help protect against harmful germs,” the agency said.

The strain found in the blueberries is Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, which can cause watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, the health department said. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a severe complication of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that can result in kidney failure, long-term health issues, and even death.

“Symptoms include: reduced (or lack of) urination, loss of pinkness in the cheeks and inside the lower eyelids, unexplained bruising or small red spots on the skin, blood in the urine, extreme fatigue or irritability, and decreased alertness,” the health department said.

The affected product lot is:

• Product: Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries
• Package Size: 10 oz
• Lot Code: 60401
• Best By Date: February 9, 2028
• No other lot codes or Best By dates are affected, Publix said.

Consumers or customers with questions regarding this recall may contact: Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or 336-899-5612.

This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Fruit recalled at SC Publix grocery stores after stomach illness reports."