Three frozen organic berry products sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's in North Carolina have been recalled over E. coli contamination linked to 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations nationwide.
Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. expanded the recall on Friday, Oct. 2, to cover additional lots of Great Value Frozen Organic Blueberries (10 oz), Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz) and Trader Joe's Frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend (12 oz), according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The expansion follows earlier recalls issued July 3 and Sept. 3.
The Trader Joe's at Piper Glen, 6418 Rea Rd., is among the North Carolina stores where the affected 12-oz Mixed Berry Blend was distributed. Great Value products reached Walmart stores in 30 states including North Carolina, while the Trader Joe's product shipped to 26 states and the District of Columbia.
WBTV first reported the recall's local reach on Sunday, Oct. 4.
What to check in your freezer
The recalled products carry best-by dates stretching into 2028, meaning they could still be in shoppers' freezers well after the recall fades from the news.
Great Value Frozen Organic Blueberries (10 oz): UPC 7874211213. Lot codes 6 019 01, 6 040 01 and 6 163 01. Best-by dates of Jan. 19, 2028; Feb. 9, 2028; and June 12, 2028.
Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz): UPC 7874211226. Lot codes 6 031 01 and 6 041 01. Best-by dates of Jan. 31, 2028, and Feb. 10, 2028.
Trader Joe's Frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend (12 oz): UPC 00977654. Lot code 6 051 01. Best-before date of Feb. 20, 2028.
Lot codes appear on the front of Great Value packages and on the back of Trader Joe's packages.
The outbreak
The CDC declared the outbreak over on Sept. 21. All 17 confirmed cases were reported in Florida and Georgia, with illness onset dates ranging from May 11 to Aug. 2. Six people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.
Federal investigators traced the contamination to frozen organic blueberries supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. The FDA placed the firm on an import alert, meaning its frozen blueberries can be detained at the U.S. border without physical inspection.
E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain. Symptoms begin three to four days after exposure and include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, according to the CDC. Most healthy people recover within five to seven days, but young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems face higher risk of a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
What to do
The FDA advises consumers not to eat any recalled berries. Shoppers can throw the products away or return them to Walmart or Trader Joe's for a full refund.
Consumers with questions can contact the supplier's media representative, Joshua Weiss at Comfrut, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 336-899-5612, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.
