Frozen Berry Recall Expands at Walmart and Trader Joe’s Over E. coli O145 Risk

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur has expanded its recall of frozen organic berry products sold under Walmart’s Great Value brand and Trader Joe’s because of potential contamination with E. coli O145:H28. The company announcement was posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on October 2.

The expansion covers additional lots of Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend, Great Value Frozen Organic Blueberries and one lot of Trader Joe’s Frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend. The recalled Great Value products were shipped to selected Walmart stores in 30 states and Puerto Rico, while the identified Trader Joe’s lot was shipped to selected stores in 26 states and the District of Columbia.

Consumers need to check lot codes, not just brand names

The action broadens earlier recalls, so inventory that was previously checked may need to be reviewed again. FDA lists the affected package sizes, lot codes and best-by dates in the recall notice.

E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, and some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome. The confirmed issue is potential contamination in identified lots, not every frozen berry product sold under these brands.