A Florida couple is suing Publix after becoming ill from contaminated frozen blueberries sold by the Lakeland-based grocer.
Oscar and Roberta Cash of Palm Beach County bought GreenWise Organic blueberries from a Publix in Jupiter in May. Shortly after, the Air Force veteran and his wife of 46 years began suffering from symptoms of E. coli infection, including bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, stomach cramps, dehydration and fever.
Roberta spent 10 days at Jupiter Medical Center and an additional three weeks at a nursing facility in Palm Beach Gardens. Testing revealed she had a severe E. coli infection from the GreenWise blueberries, according to her attorneys Ron Simon & Associates, a law firm based in Houston.
The mother of six, grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of seven continues receiving medical treatment as she recovers.
“Unfortunately, safety checks were missed in the production of the GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries, which were contaminated with E. coil O145:H28, a potentially life-threatening bacteria that is not killed by freezing,” the law firm said in a statement. “As a result, numerous Publix customers have become severely ill. In this litigation, we will make sure that all of our clients are fully and fairly compensated, find out exactly what went wrong, and make sure Publix takes steps to ensure that this never happens again.”
A Publix spokesperson told USA TODAY NETWORK the company cannot comment on pending litigation.
Did Publix have a recall on GreenWise organic blueberries?
A recall on the product was issued in July by its supplier, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., after a dozen people reported becoming sick.
A news release from Publix said the fruit may be contaminated with E. coli, causing severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting. Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. and Publix have received 12 reports of consumers experiencing stomach illnesses between May 11 and June 5 linked with E. coli infections, the Publix release said.
The contaminated blueberries were sold in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The blueberries’ lot code is 60401 and the best-by date is Feb. 9, 2028, according to Publix.
What to do if you have the recalled GreenWise organic blueberries
Immediately discard or return affected blueberries to place of purchase for a full refund. Blueberries with a purchase date of July 3, 2026 or before should be discarded, Publix advises.
Consumers with questions should may call 336-899-5612 between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or email info.foodsafety@comfrut.com.
Ron Simon & Associates established the GreenWise Organic Blueberry Claim Center to assist victims in the outbreak. The Claim Center can be reached toll-free at 1-888-335-4901 or by visiting the firm’s website at www.ronsimonassociates.com.
Hannah Phillips, a reporter for The Palm Beach Post, contributed to this report.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Recalled Publix blueberries puts Florida woman in hospital from E. coli
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
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By Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
