Georgia Parents: Check Your Freezer for Recalled Publix Blueberries

Georgia parents may want to take a look in the freezer before making the next smoothie. GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold at Publix have been recalled because of potential contamination with E. coli O145:H28, and the FDA has now classified the recall as Class I, its highest risk classification. The products were distributed to Publix stores in Georgia and seven other states.

The recall now includes all lots of GreenWise Organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries in both 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages. The FDA says families should not eat, serve, or sell the recalled berries. They should be thrown away or returned to the store, and containers or surfaces that touched them should be thoroughly cleaned. If you moved frozen berries into another container and can no longer determine whether they are part of the recall, the FDA recommends throwing them away.

WHAT GEORGIA PARENTS SHOULD WATCH FOR?

E. coli infection can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting, with symptoms beginning within several days of eating contaminated food or sometimes as many as nine days later. Some infections can cause bloody diarrhea and, in more serious cases, lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening form of kidney failure.

Children can become dehydrated quickly when diarrhea or vomiting is involved, so parents should pay attention not only to stomach symptoms but also to how their child is acting, drinking, and urinating.

MILD FOOD POISONING SYMPTOMS? TELEHEALTH MAY BE A GOOD FIRST STEP

If your child has mild stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting but is alert, drinking fluids, urinating normally, and otherwise seems stable, a pediatric telehealth visit can be a convenient first step. Hall Pediatrics offers telehealth appointments for children and families anywhere in Georgia, allowing parents to speak with a pediatric provider without first taking a sick child out of the house.

A telehealth visit can help determine whether symptoms may be consistent with food poisoning, discuss hydration and home care, and help parents decide whether their child needs to be seen in person.

WHEN FOOD POISONING SYMPTOMS NEED URGENT MEDICAL CARE

Some symptoms should not wait for a routine telehealth appointment. The CDC advises contacting a healthcare provider for severe E. coli symptoms including bloody diarrhea, diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement, fever above 102°F, vomiting that prevents a child from keeping liquids down, or signs of dehydration such as very little urination or a dry mouth and throat. (CDC⁠)

If your child appears seriously ill, has significant dehydration, becomes unusually weak or difficult to wake, or you believe the situation is an emergency, seek immediate in-person medical care or go to the emergency department.

PEDIATRIC TELEHEALTH FOR FAMILIES THROUGHOUT GEORGIA

Food poisoning isn’t the only time having quick access to a pediatric provider can help. Hall Pediatrics provides telehealth pediatric care throughout Georgia, and families do not have to switch from their regular pediatrician to use Hall Pediatrics for a telehealth visit.

If your child develops mild symptoms after eating recalled food or you’re simply unsure whether what you’re seeing warrants an in-person visit, Hall Pediatrics can help you determine the next step.

Call 912-369-KIDS (5437) or visit hallpediatrics.com to learn more about pediatric telehealth appointments available anywhere in Georgia.