Trader Joe's pulled a lot of its frozen Organic Mixed Berry Blend sold in Tennessee from shelves after the berries were linked to potential E. coli contamination.

The grocery chain announced the recall Friday, Oct. 2, affecting 12-ounce bags sold in 26 states plus Washington, D.C., according to an FDA recall notice. No illnesses tied to the Trader Joe's product have been reported.

The recall covers one specific lot. Shoppers should check the back of the bag for lot code 6 051 01, a Best Before date of Feb. 20, 2028, and a "Product of Chile" label. The product's SKU is 97765 and its UPC is 00977654. Bags with any other lot code or Best Before date are not affected.

The strain involved is E. coli O145:H28, a Shiga toxin-producing form that can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk of a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, according to the FDA. Freezing does not kill the bacteria.

The recall is the third expansion of a broader action first initiated July 3 by Chilean supplier Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., as reported by Sumner County Source. An earlier E. coli outbreak tied to the supplier's frozen blueberries sickened 17 people in Florida and Georgia, hospitalizing six, according to the Miami Herald. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that outbreak over Sept. 21.

The Oct. 2 expansion marks the first time Trader Joe's products have been named in the recall. Trader Joe's said the recall was precautionary and that the company does not expect further expansion to its products.

Shoppers who have the recalled bags should not eat the berries. They can throw the product away or return it to any Trader Joe's location for a full refund. The nearest Trader Joe's stores to Hendersonville are in the Nashville metro area.

Customers with questions can call Trader Joe's Customer Relations at (626) 599-3817, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time.