Frozen blueberries recall categorized under FDA’s highest Class I risk level

( NewsNation ) – A recall of frozen blueberries sold at Publix supermarkets has been categorized under the most severe risk level by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The recall was first initiated in early July by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. of Chile, following a dozen reports of consumers experiencing E. coli-linked digestive illnesses, Publix previously announced. In response, Publix recalled 10-ounce packages of its private-label Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries. Publix later expanded the recall to include certain 48-ounce packages of the blueberries “out of an abundance of caution,” as well.

The recalled Frozen GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries had been shipped to stores in all eight states where Publix operates : Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Packages from the affected lot can identify the recalled blueberries can be identified by their size (10 ounces) and best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028, according to the FDA’s latest enforcement report.

Publix says customers “are reminded not to consume them, and the product(s) should be discarded or returned to Publix for a full refund.”

This past Tuesday, the FDA ultimately issued a “Class I” categorization for the blueberry recall. The FDA says a Class 1 recall is “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

The FDA has previously explained, however, that it often categorizes a recall well after the initiating firm makes the recall announcement, so classifications should not necessarily be viewed “as an expansion or change” to the firm’s initial recall.

The FDA urges any consumers who had eaten the recalled blueberries to contact a healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of possible E. coli infection.

E. coli “can cause bad stomach cramps, bloody loose stools and vomiting, called diarrheal infection,” according to the Mayo Clinic . Young children and older adults are at the highest risk of developing serious health complications from it.

Consumers can contact Publix at (800) 242-1227 with questions.

Nexstar’s Michael Bartiromo contributed to this report.