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A company is recalling Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries sold at Publix that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, which can cause severe stomach distress and even death.
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Twelve cases of stomach illness have been reported by consumers between May 11 and June 5, linked with E. coli. Berries from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. in San Carlos, Chile were shipped to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, the Miami Herald previously reported.
E. coli bacteria is naturally found in the body, but some types are harmful to human beings. These forms produce Shiga toxins, which cause illness. Around 100 people die in the United States yearly of E. coli infections, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes gastrointestinal problems, is currently on the rise in North Carolina, the Charlotte Observer previously reported. This infection, which could cause “explosive” bowel movements, is often associated with fresh produce and herbs. However, the frozen blueberries sold at Publix stores are associated with E. Coli, not cyclosporiasis.
Publix is advising consumers to return or discard any of the recalled berries sold in stores on or before July 3.
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Primary sources of E. coli include raw and undercooked ground meat, raw milk and fecal contamination of produce, according to the World Health Organization. Cooking foods thoroughly and washing, and if possible peeling, produce helps lower risk.
E. coli cases tend to rise in the summer, as do cyclosporiasis cases.
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This story was originally published July 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM with the headline “Fruit recalled at NC Publix grocery stores after stomach illness reports.”
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