Sunita Somvanshi
If you bought frozen berries from Walmart recently, you might need to check your freezer. A frozen berry product sold across multiple states has been recalled because of possible bacteria contamination.
The recalled product is Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, the 10-ounce size. If you’re looking at your Walmart bag, check the UPC code 7874211226 and lot number 6040 01-6. The best-by date on this specific lot is February 9, 2028. Stores in 16 states received this product, so even if you’re not in a major city, there’s a chance the recall affects your area.
The recall has been expanded to include this specific Great Value product because of possible E. coli O145:H28 bacteria contamination linked to a broader outbreak investigation. As of the FDA’s update on September 3, there were 17 outbreak cases across two states, with six people hospitalized and no deaths reported. Here’s the important part: the FDA says no illnesses had been associated with this specific product to date. The product was included in the recall because of traceback information from the wider outbreak investigation, not because people got sick from this specific lot.
What should you do if you have this product? Don’t eat it. The FDA recommends not serving, selling, or eating the recalled berries. You can throw them away or return them to the store. If you already froze the berries without the original packaging, you can’t tell whether they’re from the recalled lot, so throw those away too. Follow safe handling and cleaning recommendations to reduce cross-contamination risk.
E. coli can cause serious illness, especially in children and older people. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, and vomiting. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare but serious complication. If anyone in your household ate these berries and develops these symptoms, contact a doctor and mention the potential exposure.
Check your freezer now and look at those lot numbers. When in doubt, throw it out.
