Organic Whole Blueberries Recall: What To Do

publix super recall notices matter to anyone who keeps frozen fruit at home. On August 26, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recorded a recall involving Publix Super Markets, Inc. The product is Organic Whole Blueberries, sold frozen in retail bags. The reason is potential contamination with E. coli O145:H28. The FDA classified this action as Class I, its most serious category. A total of 37,260 units fall within the recall scope. This guide explains what was recalled, what the hazard means, and what steps to take next.

What the Publix Super Recall Covers

The publix super recall applies to Organic Whole Blueberries packed for frozen retail sale. The agency record lists a Net Wt. 48 oz (3Lb) plastic bag. Inside the case configuration, the record notes six bags per case of 10 oz each. The packaging carries the instruction “Keep Frozen.” The UPC recorded by the FDA is 41415-12053.

Shoppers should use the UPC as the primary identifier. Brand names and bag art can change between production runs. However, the UPC stays tied to the specific item the agency listed. For example, a bag of frozen blueberries with a different UPC is not covered by this action. In most cases, the UPC appears near the barcode on the back or side panel.

The agency record for this publix super recall does not publish a detailed list of store locations. Publix Super Markets operates across the southeastern United States. Typically, a grocery recall of this type reaches stores served by the same distribution network. As a result, shoppers in any Publix market area should check their freezers rather than assume the product never reached them.

The recall number assigned by the FDA is H-1239-2026. That number is the cleanest way to look up this specific action. Recall numbers do not change, even when a company issues follow-up statements. For example, if you call customer service, giving the recall number speeds up the conversation considerably.

The Hazard and Reported Injuries

The stated hazard is potential E. coli O145:H28 contamination. E. coli is a bacterium found in many environments, including water and soil. Certain strains produce toxins that damage the lining of the intestines. Public health agencies treat these strains as serious foodborne pathogens.

Symptoms of a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection typically include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Vomiting and low-grade fever can also occur. Symptoms often begin three to four days after exposure. In most cases, people recover within about a week without hospital care.

However, a smaller share of infections progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. HUS is a form of kidney failure that can require dialysis. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk. As a result, any bloody diarrhea after eating a recalled product deserves prompt medical attention.

Frozen fruit carries a particular concern. Freezing does not kill E. coli. It only pauses bacterial growth. Many people eat frozen blueberries raw, in smoothies, or thawed over yogurt. Typically, there is no cooking step that would reduce the bacteria before eating. The FDA record does not state whether injuries have been reported in connection with this recall.

A Class I classification is the FDA’s most serious tier. It signals a reasonable probability that using the product could cause serious health consequences or death. That classification reflects the agency’s judgment about risk. It is not a finding that anyone was actually harmed.

What To Do If You Own This Product

First, stop eating the product. Do not wash it, and do not try to cook the contamination away. Washing berries does not reliably remove bacteria. Cooking can reduce risk, but most people do not cook frozen blueberries thoroughly enough to rely on it.

Second, identify what you have. Pull the bag from the freezer and check the UPC against 41415-12053. Also check the net weight and packaging description against the agency listing. For example, take a clear photo of the front and back panels before you do anything else. That photo preserves the lot information if you later need it.

Third, follow the instructions in the official notice linked on this page. The remedy details for this publix super recall are not restated here, because the agency record contains remedy text that does not match the product. As a result, the official FDA notice is the reliable source for what to do with the bag. Read it carefully before discarding or returning anything.

Fourth, clean anything the product touched. Wipe down freezer shelves, bins, and any bowls or blenders used with the berries. Use hot soapy water, then a sanitizing step. Typically, cross-contamination in the kitchen causes more illness than the original food itself.

Finally, monitor your household for symptoms. If anyone develops severe cramps, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration, contact a doctor. Tell the provider about the potential E. coli exposure and name the product. In most cases, a stool test can confirm the strain, which matters for both treatment and public health tracking. The official notice is here: FDA Enforcement Report — food recalls

Does a Publix Super Recall Mean You Can Sue?

A recall is not a lawsuit. It is a safety action taken by a company, sometimes at the urging of a regulator. The goal is to pull a product out of the market before people get hurt. A publix super recall by itself does not create a legal claim for anyone.

Courts generally look for a few things in a product injury case. There must be a defect or contamination. There must be an actual injury. And there must be a causal link between the two. In most cases, proving that link requires medical records, lab results, and proof of purchase.

For example, an E. coli claim often depends on whether a stool sample was collected and typed. Matching a patient’s strain to the recalled lot is powerful evidence. Without that, causation becomes much harder to establish. As a result, people who fall ill are often advised to seek testing early.

If you or a family member became seriously ill, you may be eligible to pursue a claim. That depends on the facts, your state’s laws, and applicable deadlines. However, no one can promise an outcome or a dollar figure. Speak with a licensed attorney in your state who handles foodborne illness cases. An initial consultation is typically free and carries no obligation.

How Recalls Connect to Mass Tort Cases

Recalls and mass torts are separate things, but they often intersect. A recall notice creates a dated public record. It documents what the company knew, when it knew it, and how it described the hazard. In later litigation, plaintiffs frequently use that record as evidence of notice.

The Philips CPAP matter is a widely cited example. Philips recalled millions of sleep apnea devices in 2021 over foam degradation concerns. Thousands of lawsuits followed and were consolidated into multidistrict litigation. The Takata airbag inflator recalls followed a similar arc, expanding over years into one of the largest automotive recall and litigation events in history.

However, most recalls never become mass torts. The majority are resolved quietly through returns, replacements, or disposal instructions. A recall becomes litigation only when a pattern of real injuries emerges and plaintiffs can tie those injuries to the defect. Typically, that takes months or years of medical and scientific work. Nothing in the FDA record for H-1239-2026 establishes that pattern, and this guide does not assert that any lawsuit exists over this recall.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my frozen blueberries are part of this recall?

Check the UPC on the package against 41415-12053 and confirm it is the 48 oz (3Lb) Organic Whole Blueberries bag. If the UPC does not match, the product is outside this recall. When in doubt, compare your package to the official FDA notice.

Does freezing or washing make the blueberries safe to eat?

No. Freezing halts bacterial growth but does not kill E. coli. Washing does not reliably remove bacteria from the surface of berries either. Do not attempt to make a recalled product safe at home.

Have any illnesses been linked to this recall?

The FDA record for recall H-1239-2026 does not state whether injuries have been reported. That means we cannot say either way here. Watch the official notice and your state health department for any updates.

Were You Injured by a Recalled Product?

A recall by itself is a safety action, not a legal claim. However, if a recalled product caused a real injury, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. A licensed attorney can review your situation at no upfront cost — most work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover.

Official Sources & Resources

Verify every recall against the issuing agency before acting:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: official recall database — the record of truth for this notice
• CPSC: cpsc.gov — household goods, toys, furniture, appliances
• FDA: fda.gov — food, drugs, and medical devices
• NHTSA: nhtsa.gov — vehicles, tires, and child car seats
• USDA FSIS: fsis.usda.gov — meat, poultry, and egg products

Content last reviewed September 2026. This is general educational information, not legal advice. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.

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Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. A product recall is a safety action by a manufacturer or regulator and does not by itself establish liability or create a legal claim. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content. Every case is unique. If you believe you were harmed by a recalled product, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.