Walmart recalls Great Value frozen berry blend over E. coli risk
The FDA has expanded a recall to include Great Value organic triple berry blend sold at Walmart in 16 states, citing a precautionary measure after a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to frozen berries.
The Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz) sold at Walmart stores in 16 states. The product, bearing lot code 6040 01-6 and a use-by date of Feb. 9 2028, is being removed from shelves as a precaution after traceback information linked it to a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).
The recall expands an earlier action by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., which began on July 3 with GreenWise-brand frozen organic blueberries and was broadened on July 29 to include mixed berries sold at Publix. To date, the CDC reports 17 illnesses, including six hospitalizations, in Florida and Georgia, but no cases have been associated with the Walmart product.
"There are no illnesses associated with this specific product to date," the FDA noted in its September 3 notice.
Consumers who may have the recalled berries at home are advised not to consume them and to discard the items or return them to Walmart for a refund. The outbreak strain can cause severe kidney complications, particularly in children, if infection leads to hemolytic uremic syndrome.