FDA Expands Frozen Berry Recall: Iowa Walmart, Trader Joe's Shoppers Urged to Check Bags
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a recall of frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's stores, including locations across Iowa, due to potential E. coli contamination. The recall now covers specific lots of frozen blueberries and mixed berries distributed in 30 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.
Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. issued the expanded recall after traceback information linked additional products to frozen blueberries involved in an earlier recall announced in July. The company says the move is precautionary, as no illnesses have been tied to the Walmart or Trader Joe's products.
Which frozen berries are being recalled in Iowa?
Iowa shoppers should check their freezers for the following recalled products:
- Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (Walmart): 10-ounce bag, UPC 7874211226, lot codes 6 031 01 and 6 041 01, with a Best If Used By date of Jan. 31, 2028, or Feb. 10, 2028.
- Great Value Organic Blueberries (Walmart): 10-ounce bag, UPC 7874211213, lot codes 6 019 01, 6 040 01, and 6 163 01, with a Best If Used By date of Jan. 19, 2028, Feb. 9, 2028, or June 12, 2028.
- Trader Joe's Organic Mixed Berry Blend: 12-ounce bag, UPC 00977654, lot code 6 051 01, with a Best If Used By date of Feb. 20, 2028.
The recalled Great Value berries were shipped to Walmart stores in 30 states, including Iowa. The Trader Joe's product went to stores in 26 states and Washington, D.C., also including Iowa.
What should Iowa consumers do with recalled berries?
If you have any of the recalled packages, do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund.
This recall does not affect other frozen berry products sold at Walmart or Trader Joe's. Label images of the recalled items are available on the FDA's website.
What are the symptoms of E. coli infection?
Anyone who has already eaten the recalled berries should watch for E. coli symptoms, which include diarrhea, high fever, vomiting, and dehydration. Most healthy people recover within a week, but children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can require hospitalization.
If you experience symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.
For recall questions, contact Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. at info.foodsafety@comfrut.com or call 336-899-5612, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
Is this recall linked to a previous E. coli outbreak?
The July recall of frozen blueberries was linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak that sickened 12 people. The company says the current expansion is based on traceback information and is being done out of caution, not because of confirmed illnesses tied to the Walmart or Trader Joe's products.
Photo: Yahoo News