US FDA Probes E. coli Outbreak Tied to Organic Frozen Blueberries
US FDA investigates a multistate E. coli outbreak linked to organic frozen blueberries from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur SA.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections that it has linked to organic frozen blueberries supplied by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A.
The agency said on Tuesday that 17 people have been infected with the outbreak strain of the bacteria, with six hospitalisations reported so far. The illnesses have been recorded across two states, according to the FDA's latest update.
The FDA has not yet specified which states are affected or the exact product batch details, but it has identified the frozen blueberries from the named supplier as the likely source of contamination. The agency is continuing its traceback and testing efforts to determine the full scope of the contamination.
E. coli infections can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. Health authorities are advising consumers to check packaging for the supplier's name and to discard any affected organic frozen blueberries. Further guidance is expected as the investigation progresses.