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Yikes! A Healthy Favorite Is Now Being Recalled—Here’s What You Need to Know

Add frozen blueberries to the growing list of foods you may want to avoid—for now, anyway.

Just weeks after health officials warned consumers about a growing Cyclospora outbreak linked to fresh produce, another fruit has landed in the spotlight. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to recalled GreenWise organic frozen blueberries sold at Publix stores across the Southeast.

So if you recently stocked up on frozen fruit for smoothies or baking, now is a good time to check your freezer.

Which frozen berries have been recalled?

Publix has recalled all lots of four GreenWise frozen berry products over concerns they may be contaminated with E. coli:

  • GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries (10-ounce)
  • GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries (48-ounce)
  • GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (10-ounce)
  • GreenWise Organic Whole Mixed Berries (48-ounce)

According to the FDA, the products were distributed to Publix locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

The retailer had already removed the products from shelves in June, but customers who purchased them are being urged not to eat them. Instead, they should either throw them away or return them to Publix for a full refund.

The FDA is continuing to investigate the source of the contamination and noted that additional products could be added to the advisory.

The outbreak has already sickened 12 people

As of July 30, the FDA and CDC have identified 12 illnesses connected to the outbreak, including four hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported at this time.

The investigation has been traced to organic frozen blueberries produced by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. in Chile. Following the agency’s inspection, the FDA also placed frozen blueberries from the company on an import alert, allowing future shipments to be detained while the investigation continues.

What is E. coli—and what are the symptoms?

E. coli is a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, with symptoms typically appearing anywhere from a few days after eating contaminated food to as long as nine days later.

According to the FDA’s website, common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and vomiting. While many people recover within a week, certain strains of E. coli can cause severe bloody diarrhea and lead to serious complications.

In extreme cases, the infection can trigger hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening form of kidney failure. It may also lead to long-term health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease.

Does freezing kill E. coli?

Unfortunately, no.

While freezing food can slow the growth of bacteria, it does not kill E. coli. Once contaminated food thaws, the bacteria can begin growing again, which is why health officials say recalled products should be thrown away or returned to the store—not simply frozen until later.

Washing produce also isn’t enough to eliminate E. coli. According to health experts, the only reliable way to kill the bacteria is by cooking food to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Because frozen berries are typically eaten raw in smoothies, yogurt or desserts, consumers won’t have that added layer of protection.

Stay safe out there!

Add Reader’s Digest on Google!

Sources:

  • FDA: “Outbreak Investigation of E. coli”
  • CBS News: “What Does and Doesn’t Kill E. coli?”

The post Yikes! A Healthy Favorite Is Now Being Recalled—Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Reader's Digest.



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