FDA Expands Walmart Berry Recall as E. coli O145 Outbreak Reaches 17 Cases Across Two States

The recall now covers 10-ounce bags with UPC 7874211226 and lot code 6040 01-6 bearing a February 9 2028 best-by date, distributed to Walmart stores in 16 states. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. initiated the action after confirming the berries matched the source of earlier Publix GreenWise products pulled in July. No illnesses have yet been tied directly to the triple-berry mix, but investigators continue to interview cases whose onset ranged from May 11 to August 2.

Outbreak data show 11 of 13 interviewed patients reported eating frozen blueberries, consistent with the toxin-producing E. coli O145:H28 strain. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps that can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome in vulnerable groups. The FDA advises discarding affected product and sanitizing all contact surfaces, noting that repackaged frozen fruit from the same lot must also be removed from retail.

This incident highlights persistent traceability gaps in imported frozen produce. Similar outbreaks tied to Chilean and Mexican berries in 2019 and 2023 prompted enhanced FDA import sampling, yet seasonal contamination during harvest remains poorly characterized. Expanded whole-genome sequencing of patient and food isolates could distinguish whether this represents a single persistent strain or repeated introduction events.

Investigators expect further product additions as lot-level records are reviewed. Retailers and consumers should monitor FDA updates for new lot codes while public-health labs prioritize rapid subtyping of any new E. coli cases reporting frozen-fruit exposure.