The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, investigated illnesses in a multistate outbreak of E. coli O145:H28 infections linked to organic frozen blueberries from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., of San Carlos, Chile.
As of September 21, 2026, CDC has declared the outbreak over. Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) state partners, a total of 17 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from two states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 11, 2026, to August 2, 2026. Eleven of 13 (85%) cases interviewed reported eating frozen blueberries. There have been six hospitalizations, and no deaths have been reported.
As part of this investigation, FDA conducted a remote regulatory assessment (a remote inspection) of Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile and collected records from the firm. FDA also collected finished product samples of product in the US. All samples collected by the FDA were reported as negative; however, earlier in the investigation, Publix, as a customer of Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile, collected and tested product samples of their GreenWise-brand Frozen Blueberries, and one sample tested positive for the same strain of E. coli that made people sick in this outbreak. Publix recalled all of their Greenwise-brand organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries, and they should no longer be available for sale.
In response to this investigation, on July 3, 2026, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile recalled one lot of frozen GreenWise-brand organic blueberries. On September 2, 2026, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile expanded their recall to include one lot of Great Value-brand Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend product. Recalled products should no longer be available for sale; however, some recalled product has “Best By” dates ending in 2028. Consumers should check their freezers for recalled product and should not eat it.
FDA has added products from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A, of San Carlos, Chile to Import Alert 99-35. Frozen blueberries from this firm that are offered for entry into the United States may be detained without physical examination. FDA’s outbreak investigation is complete.