UAE confirms no frozen berry products linked to US E. coli recall
The UAE has confirmed that no frozen berry products recalled in the US over possible E. coli contamination have been supplied to the Emirates, reports BritPanorama.
Authorities reviewed market data and stated that no affected GreenWise products were imported or sold in the UAE, according to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
On July 29, US grocery chain Publix announced a recall of four varieties of GreenWise organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold across eight states.
Subsequently, on August 18, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorised the recall as ‘Class 1’, indicating a reasonable probability that exposure to the recalled products could result in serious health consequences or death.
The FDA noted that twelve illness cases linked to the products were reported in Florida and Georgia between May 11 and June 5, with no fatalities recorded. The recalled items were shipped to Publix stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Customers have been advised to discard these items or return them to Publix for a full refund; the affected products have expiry dates before February 9, 2028.
E. coli is a group of bacteria capable of causing severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting. In serious instances, it may lead to haemolytic uraemic syndrome, resulting in kidney failure and potentially life-threatening complications.
