First E. coli Lawsuit Filed Against Publix Over Blueberries
Ron Simon & Associates has filed the first lawsuit against Publix, alleging the retailer's GreenWise Organic blueberries caused E. coli infections. The suit was brought on behalf of a customer who suffered severe illness.
A national food safety law firm has filed the first lawsuit against Publix, alleging the supermarket chain’s contaminated GreenWise Organic blueberries led to E. coli infections. The blueberries, sold exclusively at Publix stores in Florida, have been linked to multiple illnesses.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Florida residents Oscar and Roberta Cash, who both became severely ill in May 2026 after consuming the contaminated blueberries. Roberta Cash was hospitalized for ten days and subsequently transferred to a nursing facility for nearly three weeks of continued medical treatment.
The couple experienced symptoms consistent with E. coli infection, including bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, stomach cramps, dehydration, and fever. Testing revealed that a serious E. coli O145:H28 infection from the contaminated blueberries was the cause of Roberta Cash’s illness.
Ron Simon, an attorney representing several victims, stated that safety controls were overlooked during the production of the frozen blueberries. He said the firm will ensure clients receive full compensation, investigate the cause, and ensure Publix takes steps to prevent recurrence.
According to the FDA and CDC, twelve confirmed cases of E. coli O145:H28 have been identified in connection with the outbreak, with eleven in Florida and one in Georgia. The contaminated blueberry product was supplied to Publix by Southern Produce Distributors S.A. of San Carlos, Chile, which has since recalled the product.