Fruit recalled at KY Publix grocery stores over possible E. coli contamination

Publix recalled frozen GreenWise organic IQF blueberries from stores in eight states, including Kentucky, on July 3 after the discovery of a possible E. coli contamination.

The affected products are 10 oz bags and have a best buy date of Feb. 9, 2028, according to Publix. No products with a different best buy date have been recalled.

GreenWise is an organic and natural private label brand owned and distributed by Publix.

What should you do

Anyone who has purchased these blueberries is advised by the CDC to throw out the packages or return them to the store where they were bought.

The CDC also advised to wash all products, items and surfaces the blueberries may have come in contact with either with hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

What is E. coli and its symptoms

E. coli are bacteria found in human and animal intestines. According to the CDC, the bacteria helps break down food during digestion, produce vitamins and protect against harmful germs.

Some E. coli make people sick, often with diarrhea and other stomach or intestinal issues.

The most common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms typically begin three to four days after swallowing the bacteria and without treatment, most people recover in five to seven days.

E. coli can lead to more serious issues such as serious kidney problems called hemolytic uremic syndrome where a patient would need to be hospitalized, according to the CDC.

If someone is developing HUS, a decreased frequency of urination, extreme tiredness, and losing the pink color in the cheeks and inside lower eyelids may be observed. The CDC said HUS can lead to kidney failure, long-term health issues and possibly death.

If you are experiencing any of the following severe E. coli symptoms, the CDC advised you call your healthcare provider:

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
• Unimproved diarrhea lasting longer than three days
• Bloody diarrhea
• Inability to keep liquids down due to vomiting
• Dehydration signs such as dizziness upon standing, not urinating much, and dry mouth and throat