Frozen organic berries at Walmart, Trader Joe's recalled for E. coli
A Chilean supplier widened its recall of frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's over possible E. coli O145. The bags went to Walmart stores in 30 states and Trader Joe's in 26 states. The berries were tied to an earlier outbreak that sickened 17 people in Florida and Georgia.
A Chilean fruit company has added more frozen organic berries to an E. coli recall. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur said Oct. 2 that more lots of Great Value organic blueberries and organic triple berry blend, sold at Walmart, are included. So is one lot of Trader Joe's Organic Mixed Berry Blend.
Check your freezer for these items. Great Value Organic Blueberries, 10 ounces, lot codes 6 019 01, 6 040 01 and 6 163 01. Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, 10 ounces, lot codes 6 031 01 and 6 041 01. Trader Joe's Organic Mixed Berry Blend, 12 ounces, lot code 6 051 01.
The Walmart bags went to select stores in 30 states and Puerto Rico. The Trader Joe's bags went to stores in 26 states and Washington, D.C., the FDA notice says. Throw them out, or return them for a full refund.
This is the third round. The company first recalled frozen blueberries on July 3, then expanded on Sept. 3. Those berries were linked to an outbreak that sickened 17 people in Florida and Georgia and put six in the hospital, Consumer Reports said. No one died. The CDC has called the outbreak over and told CR it is not reopening its investigation. The FDA said the new lots were added after information from an onsite inspection abroad.
Freezing does not make the berries safe. James E. Rogers, who leads food safety work at Consumer Reports, advises cleaning any surface the berries touched with a mix of 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 gallon of water.
Here's why this strain matters. E. coli O145 makes a toxin that can cause bad stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and vomiting. Some people, especially young children, older adults and people with weak immune systems, can develop a kidney problem called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Get care fast for a fever of 102 degrees or higher that lasts days, or for signs of kidney trouble such as extreme tiredness and peeing less, CR says.
What we know: Specific lots sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's are recalled, and no new illnesses have been reported.
What we don't: Why it took weeks to add these lots to the recall.
Where outlets agree The FDA notice and Consumer Reports both list Great Value organic blueberries and triple berry blend at Walmart and one lot of Trader Joe's organic mixed berry blend.
Where they differ The FDA says the new lots came from information gathered during an onsite inspection abroad, but Consumer Reports says the company did not explain why it took weeks to add them.