A Chilean supplier has expanded its recall of frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s due to potential E. coli O145 contamination, the FDA announced on October 2nd. This expansion comes weeks after the outbreak was officially declared over, raising concerns about lingering risks in consumers' homes. The recall now affects Great Value frozen organic blueberries and Great Value frozen berry blends sold across 30 states and Puerto Rico, as well as Trader Joe’s frozen organic mixed berry blend available in 26 states and Washington, D.C.

The outbreak initially affected 17 people in Florida and Georgia, with six hospitalized. Investigators traced the illnesses to frozen organic blueberries from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur, a supplier based in San Carlos, Chile. The first recall in July covered GreenWise blueberries sold at Publix, which was later expanded to include additional lot codes and products.

Frozen berries are commonly used in smoothies, oatmeal, and as snacks, often consumed without being cooked. E. coli O145 can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition that can result in kidney failure and long-term health issues. Young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk.

The recall highlights the ongoing risks associated with imported food products and the need for stringent safety measures. This incident is part of a broader pattern of food safety issues that disproportionately impact Black communities and other marginalized groups who rely on large chain supermarkets like Walmart for their groceries. These communities often lack access to alternative food sources and may have limited financial resources to replace recalled products.

Given the long shelf life of the recalled berries—some with best-by dates in 2028—it's crucial for consumers to check their freezers for the specific lot codes listed by the FDA. Consumers should discard any affected products or return them to the store for a full refund. The FDA’s detailed recall information provides specific UPC codes and lot numbers for each product variant.

This situation underscores the importance of community resilience and the need for robust food safety regulations. As communities face ongoing health risks, organizing efforts to address systemic issues in food safety and distribution can help mitigate future outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. Consumers should remain vigilant and report any suspicious products to local health authorities.

Originally reported by Rolling Out