A dangerous E. coli outbreak linked to frozen berries has forced a major expansion of product recalls at Walmart and Trader Joe’s stores nationwide, affecting millions of American families who may have contaminated fruit sitting in their freezers right now.

Recall Expands After Outbreak Sickens 17

The Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. expanded its recall for the third time since July. The updated warning now includes Great Value frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend, Great Value frozen Organic Blueberries, and Trader Joe’s frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend. The contaminated products already infected 17 Americans and sent six to hospitals across Florida and Georgia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Great Value products arrived at Walmart locations across 30 states and Puerto Rico in 10-ounce bags with best-by dates ranging from January 2028 through June 12, 2028. At Trader Joe’s, the frozen organic mixed berry blend appeared in 26 states sold in 12-ounce bags marked with a February 20, 2028 best-before date. Consumers should immediately check their freezers for these products using the universal product codes: 7874211226 and 7874211213 for Great Value items, and 00977654 for Trader Joe’s.

What Families Need To Know About E. Coli

E. coli bacteria causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting in infected individuals. Most healthy Americans recover within a week, but the FDA warned some victims develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can cause lasting damage. The CDC closed its investigation into this particular outbreak on September 21, but the recall expansion demonstrates ongoing concerns about product safety.

This marks the third expansion of a recall that began in July when the same supplier pulled blueberries from Publix stores across eight southeastern states. The FDA described the latest action as a precautionary measure following traceback information that connected additional frozen berry products to the original contaminated batch.

Consumer Protection Steps

Americans who purchased these frozen berries should not consume them under any circumstances. The FDA recommends throwing the products away immediately or returning them to the store for a full refund. This recall follows another frozen berry contamination earlier in 2026, when Oregon Potato Company voluntarily recalled nearly 60,000 pounds of frozen blueberries over potential Listeria contamination. The pattern raises questions about foreign food supplier oversight and import safety standards protecting American consumers. No deaths have occurred in the current outbreak, but six hospitalizations demonstrate the serious health risks these contaminated products pose to families nationwide.