Morgan & Morgan Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Publix and Quirch Foods Over Contaminated Frozen Blueberries

[Clearwater, FL] — Morgan & Morgan has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the husband and son of a Largo woman, allegedly arising from the consumption of E. coli-contaminated GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries sold at Publix.

The decedent, Karla Mullins, passed away on June 20, 2026, after allegedly consuming frozen blueberries purchased at a Publix store on Ulmerton Road. Her son consumed the same product and was allegedly hospitalized with serious injuries. The blueberries were later identified as part of a recalled lot linked to a multistate E. coli O145:H28 outbreak.

"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 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."

The lawsuit alleges that Publix, as the seller and retailer of the GreenWise-branded blueberries, and Quirch Foods, as the intermediate distributor, are liable for the defective and unreasonably dangerous condition of the product. 

Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. issued an initial recall of the blueberries on July 3, 2026. Publix later expanded that recall on July 29, 2026, to cover all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries.

The lawsuit was filed in Pinellas County Circuit Court, Case No. 2026-CA-005598.