CDC warns of E. coli outbreak tied to frozen GreenWise blueberries—what to do
United States Public Health and Disease Watch – CDC reports 12 E. coli cases tied to frozen GreenWise blueberries; FDA recall covers lot 60401, best by Feb. 9, 2028.
CDC is warning U.S. households about a current E. coli outbreak investigation linked to a specific frozen blueberry product. In a CDC media alert dated July 7, 2026, the agency says the illness cluster is tied to GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries (10 oz) with Lot Code 60401 and a Best By Date of February 9, 2028.
CDC also says the investigation is still open. If you have the recalled product in your freezer, CDC and FDA guidance is straightforward: do not eat it, and remove it now.
What changed this week (CDC media alert + outbreak tracker)
On July 7, 2026, CDC’s media alert told the public that 12 people in two states have gotten sick from the same E. coli strain linked to frozen blueberries, and it reiterated the immediate household and retailer steps. CDC also warned that some people can develop serious kidney problems related to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (including hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS), which may require hospitalization.
CDC’s outbreak tracker (published July 6, 2026) lists the fast facts as:
- Cases: 12
- Hospitalizations: 4
- Deaths: 0
- States: 2
Which product is involved (check your freezer)
This is not a blanket “frozen blueberries” warning—CDC and FDA are pointing to one recalled product identification.
According to FDA’s recall notice, the affected product is:
- Product: Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries
- Package size: 10 oz
- Lot code: 60401
- Best-by date: February 9, 2028
- Recall scope: The product was shipped to Publix retail stores across 8 states (including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia).
FDA also states that no other lot codes or Best By dates are affected by this recall.
Symptoms to watch for—and when to seek medical care
CDC says most people infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria, and most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these severe E. coli symptoms (as listed by CDC):
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not peeing much
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
CDC also cautions that some people may develop serious kidney problems (HUS) that can require hospitalization. Warning clues CDC lists include:
- Decreased frequency of urination
- Feeling very tired
- Loss of pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids
What to do right now (households and retailers)
For households: CDC says not to eat any recalled frozen blueberries. Throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase. CDC also recommends washing items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled blueberries using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
For retailers: CDC says businesses should not sell or serve the recalled frozen blueberries and should wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come in contact with them. CDC’s investigation update says Publix has stopped selling the affected blueberries at its stores.
What to watch next
CDC’s investigation update (dated July 6, 2026) says public health officials are collecting information from sick people to help investigators identify the outbreak source. Keep an eye on CDC outbreak updates for any changes in case counts, and on FDA recall updates if distribution details are expanded or clarified.
For readers, the immediate action does not depend on new numbers: if your frozen GreenWise blueberries match lot 60401 and the February 9, 2028 best-by date, remove the product from your home now.
Sources
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