Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of San Carlos, Chile, expanded its July recall on September 2 to include one lot of Great Value frozen organic triple berry blend because of potential contamination with Escherichia coli O145:H28 (E. coli O145). The expanded recall came following traceback information from the company's previous recall of frozen organic blueberries.
The affected product, a 10-ounce package with lot code 6040 01-6, was shipped to select Walmart stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. No illnesses associated with the product have been reported to date, and the company said the recall action was taken as a precautionary measure.
E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing bacterium that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, which may be bloody, and vomiting. While most healthy individuals recover within a week, some infections may result in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), particularly in young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Consumers with the affected product should discard it or return it to Walmart for a full refund. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. said it is working closely with appropriate regulatory authorities and its customers. Consumers with questions may contact Info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or 336-899-5612.