The Mullins family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit alleging Karla Mullins died after eating frozen GreenWise blueberries purchased at Publix that were later recalled for potential E. coli contamination. The complaint says she consumed the berries on May 21, was hospitalized, and died on June 20, and ties the product to a multistate outbreak linked to 12 reported illnesses. Plaintiffs name Publix and distributor Quirch Foods, accusing them of negligence and breach of warranty and seeking damages. Attorneys for the family say they intend to hold the companies fully accountable; Publix and Quirch Foods were contacted for comment.
Family Sues Publix After Florida Woman Allegedly Dies From E. Coli–Linked Recalled Blueberries
Spencer Mullins (left) and Richard Mullins (second from left) are suing Publix over the alleged wrongful death of Karla Mullins (front center)Credit: Morgan & Morgan
A Florida family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit alleging that Karla Mullins died after consuming frozen GreenWise blueberries purchased at Publix that were later recalled for potential E. coli contamination. The complaint, filed on Sept. 17 by her husband, Richard Mullins, and son, Spencer Mullins, links her illness and subsequent death to the recalled product.
Lawsuit Details
According to the court filing reviewed by PEOPLE, Karla Mullins ate the frozen blueberries on May 21 and later developed an infection. She was hospitalized and died on June 20. The suit names supermarket chain Publix and distributor Quirch Foods, alleging wrongful death, negligence and breach of warranty. The complaint also states that Spencer Mullins was hospitalized and suffered physical and emotional injuries after ingesting the same product.
Spencer and Karla Mullins allegedly ate frozen blueberries that were contaminated with E. coliCredit: Morgan & Morgan
Recall And Investigation
Publix announced a recall on July 3 for 10-oz. packages of GreenWise Organic IQF Blueberries with a best-by date of Feb. 9, 2028, citing potential contamination with E. coli. The company said the recall followed consumer reports linking the product to 12 reported illnesses between May 11 and June 5. The blueberries' manufacturer, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A., initiated the recall. On July 29, Publix expanded the recall to include all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries amid continued contamination concerns.
Allegations in the Complaint
The lawsuit alleges the berries contained a pathogenic strain of E. coli and that Karla Mullins' death was a "direct and proximate result" of consuming the contaminated fruit. The filing accuses Publix of selling a product that was not fit for ordinary use and of failing to prevent contamination. Quirch Foods is named as an intermediate distributor and is accused of negligence related to the distribution of the affected product. Plaintiffs seek damages including lost support and companionship, mental anguish, and other compensatory claims.
"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," the family's attorneys said in a statement provided to PEOPLE. "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."
PEOPLE reported that the recall followed consumer reports of 12 illnesses linked to E. coli. Attorneys for Richard and Spencer Mullins say they will pursue full accountability from Publix and Quirch Foods. PEOPLE reached out to Publix and Quirch Foods for comment.
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