The US Food and Drug Administration has expanded the recall of frozen blueberries and berry blends after an outbreak of E. coli O145 linked to frozen organic blueberries sickened 17 people in two states. The latest recall does not mean that the outbreak is growing. The CDC recently declared that the outbreak was over on September 21, with no new illnesses reported since then. But on October 2, the company at the centre of the investigation expanded its recall to include additional batches of frozen berry products after the FDA obtained new information during an onsite inspection.The agency said the company had previously not provided all records requested by FDA investigators. After obtaining additional information, the FDA identified more products that could be contaminated and the company expanded its recall.The FDA has also added the Chilean company, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.. to Import Alert 99-35, which means that frozen blueberries from the company entering the US can be detained without physical examination.Which Frozen Berries Are Now Recalled?Also read: Drinking Raw Milk Hospitalizes 2 Young Girls in US With Nearly Fatal E. Coli Infection: Health Risks ExplainedThe expanded recall involves products sold under Great Value and Trader Joe’s brands. The affected products include:Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend, 10-ounce packages, with lot codes 6 031 01 and 6 041 01Great Value Organic Blueberries, 10-ounce packages, with lot codes 6 019 01, 6 040 01 and 6 163 01Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend, 12-ounce packages, lot code 6 051 01The recalled Great Value products were distributed to Walmart stores in 30 states and Puerto Rico, while the recalled Trader Joe’s berry blend was distributed more widely through the retailer. Consumers who have the affected products should not eat them and should discard them or return them for a refund.Some of the recalled products have 'Best By' dates extending into 2028, meaning they could still be sitting in consumers' freezers despite the outbreak having ended.E. coli Left 17 Sick Also read: After 488 Sickened & 65 Hospitalised In Salmonella Outbreak, FDA Issues Highest-Risk Recall For Salad DressingAccording to the CDC and FDA, 17 people were infected due to E. coli outbreak across Florida and Georgia. There were six hospitalisations and zero fatalities.Infections were reported between May 11 and August 2, 2026. Among 13 people interviewed during the investigation, 11 reported eating frozen blueberries, which strengthened the epidemiological link to the packaged produce.Earlier in the investigation, one sample of GreenWise frozen organic blueberries collected by Publix tested positive for the same E. coli strain responsible for the illnesses. This led to recalls that were subsequently expanded to other products from the same supplier.Why Is E. Coli O145 Dangerous? E. coli O145 belongs to a group known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). These bacteria can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and, in some cases, bloody diarrhoea.Most people recover, but the infection can sometimes lead to haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can cause kidney failure. Young children, older adults and people with weak and strained immunity are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.People who develop symptoms after eating a recalled product should contact a healthcare provider, particularly if they develop bloody diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain or signs of dehydration.Consumers should also check their freezers rather than assume recalled products have already been removed from stores. The FDA says recalled products should no longer be available for sale, but some have long shelf lives and may still be at home.Anyone with one of the affected lot codes should not taste the product to determine whether it is safe. It should be discarded or returned for a refund.