Health News -- August 20, 2026: Federal health regulators have elevated the recall of select Publix GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries to a Class I recall—the FDA’s highest health hazard level. The alert follows a multistate outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O145:H28 linked to imported berries, with confirmed illnesses across the Southeast.
The Publix Berry Recall Details The recall includes all lots of four specific products carrying "Best By" dates up to and including February 9, 2028:
GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries (10 oz) — UPC
41415-06453GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries (48 oz) — UPC
41415-12053GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (10 oz) — UPC
41415-06753GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (48 oz) — UPC
41415-12153
Distribution & Consumer Steps
Affected States: Publix retail stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Health Hazards:E. coli O145:H28 produces Shiga toxins that cause intense stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting, and can trigger hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal kidney complication.
Consumer Action:Check home freezers immediately. Throw away affected bags or return them to any Publix store for a full refund. Sanitize any containers, surfaces, or blender jars that contacted unbagged fruit.
Other Major Active Food Recalls & Public Health Alerts
Midwest Poultry Services Shell Eggs (Class I Alert - August 2026): Millions of shell eggs sold under brands including Kroger, Simple Truth, Country Morning, and Cal-Maine Sunups across retail grocers were elevated to a Class I recall following hospitalizations tied to Salmonella contamination.
Taylor Fresh Foods & Downstream Fresh Jalapeño Products (August 2026): Coast Citrus and Taylor Farms recalled prepared food items, salsa mixes, and fresh jalapeños across more than 20 states due to an ongoing multistate Salmonella outbreak.
USDA Public Health Alert for Jalapeño-Infused Meats (August 2026): The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued alerts for ready-to-eat and heat-and-serve meat and poultry items manufactured using the recalled jalapeño supply.
Indus Foods / Gangothri Pickled Meats (August 2026): Ready-to-eat pickled goat and chicken products sold online and to distributors nationwide were recalled after being produced and shipped without required USDA inspections.
Corte Argentino Raw Beef Cuts (August 2026): Over 29,000 pounds of boneless raw beef cuts (under the Frigorífico Gorina brand) were recalled in the Southeast after entering the country without mandatory USDA import reinspection.
Clover Hill Dairy & Latin-Style Soft Cheeses (Summer 2026): Ongoing multi-brand recalls of queso fresco, requesón, and soft cheeses distributed through regional markets due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination.