In a significant legal action, Ron Simon & Associates, in collaboration with Elizabeth Zwibel Law, has initiated the first lawsuit stemming from an E. coli outbreak linked to GreenWise Organic blueberries sold at Publix locations in Florida. This lawsuit was filed on behalf of Oscar and Roberta Cash, a couple from Florida who fell gravely ill after consuming the contaminated berries in May 2026.
The Cashes reported severe E. coli symptoms, including bloody diarrhea, intense abdominal pain, and dehydration, prompting them to seek medical attention. Roberta's condition deteriorated, leading to a ten-day hospitalization at Jupiter Medical Center, where she underwent aggressive treatment. Subsequently, she required nearly three additional weeks of care at The Gardens Court nursing facility and continues to receive ongoing medical treatment. Testing confirmed that the source of her illness was E. coli O145H28 found in the blueberries.
Oscar, a veteran who has lived in Florida for decades, and Roberta, who have been married for 46 years, face life's challenges while managing their health crises. Their legal advocate, Ron Simon, a nationally recognized food safety attorney, has expressed concern over the lapses in safety protocols at the production level of the contaminated GreenWise Organic blueberries. He stated, "The safety controls that are supposed to be in place were inadequate, leading to serious health risks for consumers. We are determined to ensure our clients receive just compensation and to uncover the failures in this case while making sure Publix takes necessary steps to prevent future occurrences."
As investigations unfold, the FDA has confirmed at least twelve cases of E. coli O145H28 in connection with this outbreak, with the majority of reported illnesses occurring in Florida, alongside one confirmed case in Georgia. The contaminated blueberries were sourced from Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. based in San Carlos, Chile, and the company has since issued a recall.
In the aftermath of the outbreak, the legal team has established a GreenWise Organic Blueberry Claims Center to assist customers affected by the E. coli contamination. Those impacted can reach the center at 1-888-335-4901 or via the firm's website. Ron Simon, who has managed numerous food poisoning cases over the past 33 years, and whose advocacy has improved food safety standards across many Fortune 500 companies, aims to bring greater awareness and regulatory scrutiny to the food production industry. Simon's previous work has been recognized nationally, with widespread media coverage on various platforms, highlighting his commitment to food safety and consumer protection.
In a statement concerning the claim, Simon affirmed that the ongoing litigation will serve to reinforce the accountability of food retailers and ensure that safety measures are diligently followed to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses. As this case continues to evolve, many will look to its outcome as a critical indicator of the food industry's responsibility to the public and its broader ramifications for food safety practices nationwide.
For further media inquiries regarding the GreenWise Organic Blueberry Claims Center or additional details concerning the legal proceedings, Ron Simon can be contacted directly at (713) 819-8116 or via email at
[email protected].
With the increasing public awareness about food safety, this lawsuit represents not just a fight for the Cash family but a call for higher standards and accountability in the food supply chain, ensuring that consumer safety remains paramount.