Trader Joe’s Frozen Berry Recall: Check Your Freezer

If you shop at Trader Joe’s and keep frozen fruit on hand for smoothies, yogurt or baking, you should check your freezer.

Trader Joe’s has recalled a popular frozen berry product because of possible E. coli contamination.

The good news is that the recall is limited to one specific lot, so not every bag is affected. Still, the recalled product has a Best Before date in 2028, which means it could easily be sitting in someone’s freezer for a long time.

The recalled product is Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend, sold in 12-ounce bags.

Which Trader Joe’s Frozen Berries Are Recalled?

The recall applies to one specific lot of Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend.

Here are the details to look for:

Product: Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend
Size: 12 ounces
SKU: 97765
UPC: 00977654
Best Before: February 20, 2028
Code: CF 6 051 01-5

The code and Best Before date can be found on the back of the package.

If you have a bag in your freezer, it’s worth checking the numbers rather than assuming yours is fine based on when you bought it.

Where Were the Recalled Trader Joe’s Berries Sold?

According to Trader Joe’s, the affected Organic Mixed Berry Blend was sold at select stores in the following states:

Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The berries were also sold in Washington, D.C., and in the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania.

So if you purchased Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend in one of those areas, check the package carefully to see if it matches the recalled lot.

Why Were the Berries Recalled?

The berries were recalled because of possible contamination with E. coli O145.

The Trader Joe’s product is part of a broader frozen berry recall involving a supplier in Chile.

According to the FDA, the broader outbreak investigation involved illnesses in Florida and Georgia, including hospitalizations.

Trader Joe’s says no illnesses have been reported in connection with its recalled Organic Mixed Berry Blend.

What Are the Symptoms of E. Coli?

E. coli infections can cause symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever.

Some infections can become more serious, particularly for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

If you ate recalled berries and develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Berries?

If your bag matches the recalled lot, do not eat it.

Trader Joe’s says customers can throw the product away or return it to any Trader Joe’s store for a full refund.

And because this product has a Best Before date of February 20, 2028, this is one of those recalls where it really is worth checking the back of your freezer.

Frozen berries are easy to forget about, especially if you use them only occasionally for smoothies or yogurt, so take a minute to check the package before using them.