A 74-year-old Florida woman died after eating contaminated frozen blueberries from Publix, according to a lawsuit filed by her family.
Karla Mullins, of Largo, died June 20, about a month after she purchased the GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries. The blueberries were recalled in July after it was determined they were linked to an E. coli outbreak.
The lawsuit was filed in Pinellas County on behalf of Mullins’ husband and son.
"This family lost a treasured mother and wife because a product that was supposed to be safe was contaminated with a dangerous and deadly pathogen," said Morgan & Morgan Law Firm founder John Morgan and attorney Christian Leger. "Karla Mullins should be alive today. We intend to hold Publix and Quirch Foods fully accountable
for the role they played in putting this product on store shelves and into the hands of unsuspecting customers."
Details on lawsuit against Publix over Florida woman who died from contaminated blueberries
The lawsuit alleges Mullins’ son also consumed the blueberries and was hospitalized with serious injuries.
Along with Publix, Quirch Foods Inc., a food distributor based in Coral Gables, also is named in the lawsuit. Mullins’ family is suing for wrongful death, negligence and breach of warranty.
Mullins’ is seeking “loss of support and services, loss of the decedent’s companionship and protection, mental pain and suffering from the date of injury (and) medical or funeral expenses.” Her son is seeking compensation to cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering.
A message was left for Publix seeing comment.
Details on the Publix recall of 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.
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.
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 Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida woman dies from Publix's frozen blueberries, lawsuit states
