Walmart and Trader Joe's Frozen Berry Recall Expands Over E. Coli Concerns

Before you make your next smoothie, you might want to take a closer look at that bag of berries in your freezer. A frozen berry recall has expanded to include additional products sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s over concerns about possible E. coli contamination.

The latest announcement, issued October 2nd, involves organic blueberries and berry mixtures supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., a company based in Chile.

According to the FDA, the affected products were sold to 30 different Walmarts in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, as well as 26 Trader Joe’s in the States and D.C.

Which Frozen Berries Are Being Recalled?

The expanded recall covers specific packages of Walmart frozen berries sold under the Great Value label, plus one Trader Joe’s product. The affected products include:

• Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz.): UPC 7874211226, with lot codes 6 031 01 (January 31, 2028) and 6 041 01 (February 10, 2028).

• Great Value Organic Blueberries (10 oz.): UPC 7874211213, with lot codes 6 019 01 (January 19, 2028), 6 040 01 (February 9, 2028), and 6 163 01 (June 12, 2028).

• Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend (12 oz.): UPC 00977654, with lot code 6 051 01 (February 20, 2028).

The dates in parentheses indicate the products’ best-by or best-before dates.

The Trader Joe’s berry recall applies only to the identified lot, not every package of frozen berries sold by the retailer. Because the dates extend into 2028, some of us may have these products tucked without even knowing it.

What Prompted the Expanded Recall?

The latest action follows an investigation into an E. coli outbreak connected to frozen blueberries. The FDA said that 17 people got sick in Florida and Georgia, and six needed to be hospitalized. No deaths were reported.

Federal health officials said the outbreak ended on September 21st. However, investigators went on to identify other potentially affected products, prompting the October expansion.

The new recall doesn’t mean there’s another outbreak. It’s a precaution involving berries that may have come from the same supply chain.

What Are the Symptoms of E. Coli?

E. coli is a type of bacteria, and certain strains can cause serious digestive illness. Symptoms may include:

• Severe abdominal cramping

• Diarrhea, sometimes containing blood

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fever

People can get sick several days after their exposure, and certain infections can lead to kidney complications. Young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems are at greater risk of severe infection. And anyone who experiences symptoms after eating potentially affected berries should contact their doctor.

What Should Shoppers We Now?

If you have the recalled frozen berries at home, don’t use them in smoothies, desserts, or other recipes. Compare the package details with the FDA’s list, paying particular attention to the lot code and date.

Any matching products should be thrown away or brought back to Walmart or Trader Joe’s for a refund.

Don’t Forget About Earlier Recalls

The FDA also has an outbreak investigation page with information about earlier recalls, including products sold at Publix.

Since frozen berries can stick in our freezers for months, it’s worth checking any older packages against any FDA recalls. This latest announcement may not be the only one that could affect what’s in your freezer.

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