An E. coli outbreak linked to frozen blueberries has grown to 17 confirmed cases, with six people hospitalised so far.
Five additional infections were recorded in the latest federal update from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Two of the six hospitalisations were included in the latest update. However, no deaths have been reported.
The cases have been reported in Georgia and Florida, with illness onset dates ranging from May 11 to August 2.
Federal health officials began investigating the outbreak in July and have linked the illnesses to frozen blueberries produced by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. The company initially recalled one lot of 10-ounce bags of GreenWise organic frozen blueberries on July 3.
Later in July, Publix announced a broader recall of GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries because of potential E. coli contamination. The recalled products were distributed to retail stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
The Chilean company has now expanded its recall to include a frozen mixed-berry product sold at some Walmart stores. The affected product is the 10-ounce Great Value Frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend. It was sold in Walmart stores across 16 states.
Health officials advice that anyone who has it should throw it away or return it to the store for a refund. The FDA said its investigation remains ongoing and that further information will be provided as it becomes available.
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