E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Berries Sold In These VA Stores

A recall on two popular brands of frozen berries launched after some were found to have been contaminated with E. coli has been expanded, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. has expanded its recall to include one additional lot of Great Value frozen organic triple berry blend 10-oz, two additional lots of Great Value frozen organic blueberries 10-oz, and one lot of Trader Joe’s-brand frozen organic mixed berry blend 12-oz.

The Great Value brand is exclusively sold in Walmart stores; the Trader Joe's brand is sold only in its namesake business.

Virginia is one of 30 states to which the potentially contaminated Great Value berries were sent and one of 26 states to which the potentially contaminated Trader Joe's berries were sent, according to the FDA.

Friday's announcement of the recall expansion follows Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.'s previous recall of the products in July and September.

Over the summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared a multi-state E. Coli outbreak that could be traced back to the berries. The outbreak was declared over on Sept. 21, and a total of 17 illnesses were reported.

The FDA says that the recalled products should be out of circulation by now, but residents should check their freezers for the product, specifically if it has a "Best By" year of 2028.

Anyone with a product that fits the following description should throw it out or return it to the store where they bought it, according to officials:

• Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend 10-oz (Including Strawberries, Blackberries and Blueberries), 10-oz, Lot Code: 6 031 01, 6 041 01 (in front of the package), with Best If Used By Dates: January 31, 2028 and February 10, 2028.
• Great Value Organic Blueberries 10-oz, Lot Code: 6 019 01, 6 040 01 and 6 163 01 (in front of the package), with Best If Used By Dates: January 19, 2028; February 9, 2028 and June 12, 2028.
• Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend 12-oz, Lot Code: 6 051 01 (on the back of the package), with Best Before Date: February 20, 2028.

About E. Coli

E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of people and animals. Some strains are harmless, but its presence in food products can sometimes lead to potentially dangerous outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The bacteria can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses when ingested. It's also been known to cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious health condition that can lead to kidney failure, permanent health problems, and even death.

To learn more about E. coli and how to prevent illness, visit the CDC's website here.