Expanded Frozen Berry Recall Reaches Walmart and Trader Joe's

The latest expansion of a frozen berry recall tied to potential E. coli contamination now covers additional products sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s, prompting consumers to review items in their home freezers. The action follows an ongoing Food and Drug Administration review of shipments from a Chilean supplier that began earlier this year with items at Publix. Retailers and regulators continue to urge caution even though the associated outbreak has been declared over. ([1])

Timeline of the Recall and Outbreak

The investigation started in the summer with frozen blueberries sold at Publix stores. A specific lot of GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries was recalled in early July, and the action broadened later that month to include additional blueberry and mixed berry packages in multiple sizes. Those items had been shipped to stores across several southeastern and mid-Atlantic states.

By September the supplier had added certain Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend packages distributed to select Walmart locations in 27 states and territories. The most recent step, announced October 2, incorporates further Walmart products along with Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend. The FDA has since listed the Publix portion of the recall as terminated.

Products Affected by the Latest Expansion

The newest additions focus on two Great Value items at Walmart and one at Trader Joe’s. Consumers should check 10-ounce packages of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend and Great Value Organic Blueberries, as well as 12-ounce packages of Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend. The Great Value products reached stores in 30 states and Puerto Rico, while the Trader Joe’s items were sent to 26 states and Washington, D.C.

Distribution details show the items appeared in locations that include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and others. The FDA has indicated that recalled products should no longer be on store shelves, yet their extended shelf life means some packages may remain in household freezers.

Role of the FDA Inspection and Supplier Actions

Additional information gathered during an onsite inspection at the Chilean facility prompted the October expansion. The supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., had not provided all requested records during the earlier voluntary phase of the investigation. As a result, frozen blueberries from the company are now subject to an FDA import alert that permits detention of shipments without physical examination.

The agency has emphasized that the recall continues because further potentially contaminated lots were identified after the initial outbreak response. Seventeen illnesses linked to the strain were reported in Florida and Georgia, with six hospitalizations and no deaths. Illness onset dates ranged from May 11 to August 2, and most interviewed patients reported consuming frozen blueberries.

Health Implications and Recommended Steps

E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain capable of causing severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication. The FDA continues to advise against eating any recalled berries and recommends discarding them or returning them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Retailers have removed the affected items from shelves, yet the long-term nature of frozen storage means vigilance at home remains important. The FDA has not reported additional illnesses since the outbreak was declared over, but the recall serves as a reminder of the supply chain checks that protect the food supply.

The developments underscore how a single supplier’s records and inspection findings can trigger successive expansions across major national chains. Consumers who act on the guidance reduce their own exposure while supporting broader efforts to trace and contain the issue.

AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.