A recall of frozen berries has expanded across dozens of states amid concerns that the product may be contaminated with E. coli, according to WDSU. The recall is a reminder to check what is sitting in your freezer right now, especially if you or your family regularly buy bagged frozen fruit for smoothies, baking or quick breakfasts.
E. coli contamination in food can cause serious illness, including stomach cramps, diarrhea and fever, and in severe cases can lead to complications that require hospitalization. Because frozen berries are often stored for weeks or months before they are used, recalls like this one can affect products that have been sitting untouched in home freezers long after the original purchase date.
How to spot it
- The recall affects frozen berries sold in dozens of states, according to WDSU.
- The concern centers on possible E. coli contamination in the product.
- As with any food recall, the most reliable way to know if your specific package is affected is to check the packaging against the official recall notice, since brand names, lot numbers and expiration dates are typically listed there rather than in general news coverage.
What to do if it happened to you
- Check your freezer for frozen berries and compare the packaging to the details listed in the official recall notice.
- Do not eat any product that matches the recall.
- If you believe you have purchased the affected berries, follow the guidance provided in the recall notice for returning or disposing of the product.
- If you or a family member develop symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea or fever after eating frozen berries, contact a healthcare provider.
This site's consumer reporter has long urged readers to take food recalls seriously and to act before a problem turns into a health emergency, rather than after. The lesson with recalls like this one is the same every time: a few minutes spent checking packaging in your freezer can prevent a much worse few days later. As more information becomes available about which specific brands and states are involved, readers are encouraged to consult official recall announcements directly for the exact product details, since those specifics determine whether your household is affected.
Source: WDSU
