The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has escalated a recall of frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix stores to its highest health risk category after reports of contamination with Escherichia coli O145:H28.

The recall involves frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries (10 oz) distributed by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., San Carlos, Chile, which the FDA has classified as a “Class 1” product. This designation indicates a “reasonable probability that the use or exposure to the violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

Publix announced last month that consumers who purchased the affected products should discard them immediately or return them for a full refund. The recalled items, shipped to stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, have expiration dates prior to February 9, 2028.

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. initiated the recall after receiving reports of consumers experiencing digestive illnesses following consumption of GreenWise frozen blueberries. The FDA emphasizes that its classification of the recall as “Class 1” does not represent an expansion or change to the company’s initial actions but reflects the severity of potential health risks.

The agency warns that E. coli O145:H28 can cause severe symptoms including abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Young children and older adults remain at highest risk for serious complications. Consumers who consumed the recalled products are urged to contact a healthcare provider if experiencing infection symptoms.