FDA Recalls Frozen Berries from Walmart and Trader Joe's Due to E. coli Contamination
In a significant consumer safety alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the recall of several frozen organic berry products. This action follows reports of potential contamination with Escherichia coli, a dangerous bacterial pathogen. The recall affects multiple varieties of frozen organic berries sold by major grocery chains Walmart and Trader Joe's.
Brands and Products Involved
Walmart's Great Value brand and Trader Joe's have issued product warnings after the FDA identified potential contamination in shipments distributed across a wide region of the United States. The specific recalled items include:
- Walmart's Great Value: Frozen organic blueberries (10 oz bags) and frozen organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz bags).
- Trader Joe's: Frozen organic Mixed Berry Blend (12 oz packages).
Geographic Scope and Product Identification
The Great Value frozen blueberries were sold in 30 states, while the Triple Berry Blend was distributed across a similar geographic range. Trader Joe's Mixed Berry Blend was marketed in 26 states. The recall includes specific product batches identified by UPC codes, lot numbers, and best-if-used dates.
For example, Great Value blueberries have UPC 7874211213 and lot codes 6 019 01, 6 040 01, and 6 163 01, with expiration dates from January 19, 2028, to June 12, 2028. Trader Joe's Mixed Berry Blend is identified by UPC 00977654 and lot code 6 051 01, best before February 20, 2028.
Consumer Safety Instructions
Consumers who have purchased these recalled products are strongly advised to discontinue use immediately. The FDA recommends either disposing of the affected items or returning them to the store for a full refund. For further inquiries, consumers can contact the producer's customer service via email at Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or by phone at 336-899-5612 during weekdays.
Underlying Health Risks
This recall is part of a larger investigation into frozen organic blueberries produced by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a company based in San Carlos, Chile. According to FDA reports, 17 individuals were infected with E. coli between May and August 2026, with six requiring hospitalization. E. coli infections can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. In vulnerable populations, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening complication.
Affected States
The recall impacts numerous states. For Walmart, the affected states include Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. For Trader Joe's, the affected states are Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
The extensive nature of this recall highlights the critical importance of food safety vigilance. Consumers are urged to check product labels carefully and follow disposal or return instructions promptly to prevent illness.
