Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of Chile has expanded its ongoing frozen berry recall to include specific lots of Trader Joe's Organic Mixed Berry Blend and Walmart's Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend and Organic Blueberries. The Walmart products were distributed to stores in 30 states and Puerto Rico; the Trader Joe's product reached 26 states and D.C. This is the third recall expansion from this supplier since July 3, following earlier actions in September.
The E. coli O157 outbreak linked to these berries was declared over by FDA on September 21 after 17 confirmed illnesses and six hospitalizations. A Florida man also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Publix and distributor Quirch Foods after his wife died following consumption of recalled frozen blueberries. The latest expansion is precautionary, tied to traceback information from the original July recall, not new illness reports.
This recall has now touched multiple major retail banners over a three-month window. Buyers and category managers sourcing frozen organic berries from South American origins should expect continued consumer scrutiny — and it's worth monitoring whether additional lots or retailers are drawn into the investigation.