Karla Mullins’s family alleges she died after eating frozen GreenWise blueberries later recalled over possible E. coli contamination; a wrongful-death suit filed Sept. 17 names Publix and distributor Quirch Foods. The recall followed 12 reported illnesses linked to the berries.
The complaint says Mullins ate the blueberries on May 21 and died June 20. Publix recalled 10-ounce GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries on July 3; it said the recall was linked to 12 reported illnesses between May 11 and June 5. The complaint says the recall expanded on July 29 to all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries.
The complaint also alleges Mullins’s son Spencer was hospitalized and suffered physical and emotional injuries after eating the berries. It accuses Publix of negligence and breach of warranty and alleges negligence by Quirch Foods. Mullins’s husband Richard and Spencer seek damages, including for lost support and companionship and mental anguish. PEOPLE said it contacted both companies for comment.
