UAE confirms US-recalled GreenWise berries not sold locally

The UAE has confirmed that GreenWise frozen berry products, subject to a recall in the United States over E. coli contamination concerns, were not distributed within the local market. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment stated that regulatory authorities conducted thorough checks and reviewed import and local market data following the US recall.

These checks confirmed that no affected GreenWise products entered or were sold in the UAE. This assurance comes after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall of GreenWise organic frozen blueberries and whole mixed berries as its highest-risk Class 1 designation.

The recall was initiated by Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. and linked to a multistate E. coli outbreak. The initial recall for organic blueberries on July 3 was expanded on July 29 to include frozen mixed berries. The FDA reported that the outbreak had sickened 12 people, with four requiring hospitalization. E. coli infections can cause symptoms ranging from stomach cramps and diarrhea to vomiting, with potential for more severe complications.

The affected berries were sold at Publix stores in several US states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. While removed from shelves, some products carried expiration dates extending into 2028. A Class 1 recall signifies a "reasonable probability" that the product could cause serious health consequences or death.

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No affected GreenWise products were found to have entered or been sold in the UAE.