Frozen Berry Recall Expanded: Walmart and Trader Joe's Products Added After Multistate E. coli (STEC) Investigation

Federal officials have expanded a recall of frozen berries linked to a multistate Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak to include additional products sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's. The original recall began July 3 and has been widened several times, most recently on Oct. 2. Although affected items have been pulled from store shelves, many carry best-before dates into 2028 and may still be in home freezers.

Products Included in the Recall

The Food and Drug Administration lists the following recalled items and identifying codes:

• Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, 10 oz (strawberries, blackberries, blueberries): UPC 7874211226; lot codes 603101, 604101; best before Jan. 31, 2028 and Feb. 10, 2028.
• Great Value Organic Blueberries, 10 oz: UPC 7874211213; lot codes 601901, 604001, 616301; best before Jan. 19, 2028; Feb. 9, 2028; and June 12, 2028.
• Trader Joe's Organic Mixed Berry Blend, 12 oz: UPC 00977654; lot code 605101; best before Feb. 20, 2028.

Timeline And Scope

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. initiated the original recall of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries on July 3. The recall was expanded on July 29 to include GreenWise frozen mixed berries sold at Publix, then broadened on Sept. 2 to cover a Walmart product and expanded again on Oct. 2 to include additional Walmart and Trader Joe's items. As of the CDC's Sept. 21 update, the outbreak had been linked to 17 confirmed illnesses and six hospitalizations; that CDC notice characterized the outbreak as "over," and media outlets have sought confirmation from public health authorities given the later product additions.

Where The Products Were Sold

The recalled Great Value products were sold at Walmart locations in 30 states. The Trader Joe's item was sold in 26 states and Washington, D.C. Although stores have removed affected items from shelves, the FDA warns consumers to check home freezers because products with 2028 best-before dates may remain in households.

Walmart Locations (30 States)

Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia.

Trader Joe's Locations (26 States + D.C.)

Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington, D.C.

Health Risks And Symptoms

Laboratory testing identified the outbreak strain as STEC. Infections with STEC can produce severe symptoms and may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can damage blood vessels and cause kidney failure. Children are at higher risk for HUS.

Symptoms typically appear two to eight days after exposure and commonly last about a week. Seek medical care if you or a family member develop:

• Diarrhea, sometimes bloody, and fever above 102°F
• Severe vomiting preventing you from keeping down liquids
• Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness
• Severe abdominal cramping or pain

Warning signs of HUS include high blood pressure, pale skin, extreme fatigue, easy bruising or unusual bleeding, decreased or bloody urine, swelling of the legs/feet/ankles, and neurological symptoms such as confusion or seizures. If you suspect HUS or severe infection, seek immediate medical attention and tell clinicians about possible E. coli exposure.

What Consumers Should Do

The FDA advises consumers not to eat recalled berries. Discard them in a sealed bag or return them to Walmart or Trader Joe's for a refund. If you believe you became ill after consuming any of the recalled products, contact your healthcare provider and your local public health department.

FDA Note (Sept. 21): "This market action is taken as a precautionary measure following traceback information linked to frozen blueberries which were the subject of the first recall on July 3, 2026."

For the most current information, consult the FDA and CDC websites or contact your local public health authorities.