The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed on Saturday, August 22, that GreenWise frozen berry products recalled in the United States over possible E. coli contamination were not sold in the UAE.

The ministry said relevant regulatory authorities conducted the necessary checks and reviewed import and domestic market data after reports of the US recall emerged. The findings confirmed that none of the recalled GreenWise products had been imported into or sold in the UAE.

The confirmation came after the US Food and Drug Administration upgraded the recall of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries and frozen mixed berries to Class I, the highest risk level in its recall system.

The products were recalled by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. over a possible link to an E. coli outbreak across several US states. The initial recall of GreenWise organic blueberries was issued on July 3 and expanded on July 29 to include frozen mixed berries.

According to the FDA’s latest update on July 30, 12 people have fallen ill in connection with the outbreak, with four requiring hospital treatment. E. coli infections can cause symptoms including abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhoea and vomiting, and may lead to more serious complications in some cases.

The recalled products were sold at Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. They have since been removed from store shelves, although some have expiry dates extending into 2028.

What does an FDA Class I recall mean?
Class I is the most serious recall level used by the US Food and Drug Administration. It means the FDA believes there is a “reasonable probability” that consuming or using the recalled product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Customers who purchased affected products with expiry dates before February 9, 2028, have been advised not to consume them and to either discard them or return them to a Publix store for a refund.

The FDA also urged consumers to thoroughly clean and sanitise any containers and surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled products.