Jupiter Couple Sues Publix After GreenWise Frozen Blueberries Linked to E. Coli Outbreak

A Jupiter couple has filed a lawsuit against Publix after claiming they were sickened by E. coli-contaminated GreenWise organic frozen blueberries purchased at a Publix location on Indiantown Road.

According to their attorney, Ron Simon, Oscar and Roberta Cash bought the GreenWise frozen blueberries on May 20 and both consumed them. Within a week and a half, both were seriously ill.

"Within a week and a half, they were both suffering pretty badly. In fact, they had to rush Roberta to the hospital," Simon said.

Roberta Cash spent nearly a month in the hospital and a rehabilitation center. Tests confirmed she was suffering from E. coli poisoning. Both Oscar and Roberta experienced symptoms including diarrhea, cramps, and fever.

Federal Investigators Found 12 Matching Cases

The hospital notified federal investigators, who began searching for other patients affected by the same bacteria strain. The results were striking.

"Sure enough, they found 12 matches. Eleven in Florida and one in Georgia are identical matches, all of whom had consumed the organic Publix berries," Simon said.

The Cashes subsequently retained Simon, who has filed suit against Publix in Palm Beach County Court.

The Trust Was Broken

Simon said the case goes beyond compensation for the Cash family — it's about food safety accountability.

If a company sells a product that makes you sick, whether or not it's their fault or whether they knew about it, they are responsible for the damages," he said. "The public puts an incredible amount of trust in those sellers to make sure their food is safe. In this case, Publix sold a bunch of berries that were tainted, that hurt a bunch of people, and that trust was broken.

Publix declined to comment on the lawsuit, stating it would be inappropriate to comment on pending litigation.

If You Purchased GreenWise Frozen Blueberries

Simon has established the GreenWise Organic Blueberry Claim Center to assist anyone who believes they were affected by this outbreak. If you or a family member purchased GreenWise organic frozen blueberries from Publix and experienced E. coli symptoms — severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever — you may be eligible to file a claim.

• Phone (toll-free): 1-888-335-4901
• Florida Dept. of Health – Palm Beach County: (561) 840-4500
• FDA Recall Database: fda.gov

Source: WPBF 25. Read the original report here.