Publix Class Action Lawsuit: Grocery Chain Accused of Overcharging Customers

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Publix overcharged customers by manipulating product weights at checkout, misleading them about prices and savings.

Consumers Affected: Consumers who shopped at Publix Super Markets nationwide.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

A Florida shopper is taking Publix Super Markets to court, claiming the grocery chain has been inflating prices at checkout by manipulating the weight of certain products. The class action lawsuit alleges that Publix’s point-of-sale system artificially increases the weight of meats, cheeses, and other goods, causing customers to overpay—sometimes by as much as 25%.

The lawsuit, filed by Wendy Koutouzis, argues that Publix misled shoppers by using deceptive pricing schemes that effectively cancel out advertised discounts. Customers believe they are getting a deal, but in reality, they are paying more than they should, according to the complaint.

Publix Accused of Inflating Product Weights at Checkout

Koutouzis, a Florida resident, says she was repeatedly overcharged for various grocery items due to the alleged scheme. One example cited in the lawsuit occurred in January 2025 when she purchased Publix Extra Lean Pork Tenderloin, advertised at $4.99 per pound (down from $6.99). The package label listed the weight as 2.83 pounds, but at checkout, Publix’s system reportedly increased the weight to 3.96 pounds, significantly raising the total cost.

A similar incident allegedly took place when Koutouzis bought Kentucky Legend Turkey Breast, advertised at $7.99 per pound. Though the package stated the weight as 1.75 pounds, Publix’s system changed it to 2.19 pounds, causing her to pay an extra $3.50.

These discrepancies often go unnoticed by customers, the lawsuit claims, because Publix does not print product weights on receipts. Instead, shoppers only see the total price and an alleged "savings" that may not actually exist.

Lawsuit Alleges Publix Misled Consumers and Overcharged for Groceries

The lawsuit accuses Publix of designing its checkout system to inflate product weights, ensuring the store maintains or even increases profits despite advertising lower prices.

Employees, including cashiers and managers, allegedly either fail to correct the pricing issue or actively insist that the savings have already been applied. The complaint also accuses Publix of other deceptive practices, such as leaving expired sale signs up and misrepresenting price-per-unit information on baby formula. 

Since Publix is an employee-owned company, the lawsuit argues that workers have an incentive not to expose the issue, as higher sales revenue benefits them financially. Koutouzis is demanding that Publix update its checkout system and compensate affected shoppers.

Other Grocery Chains Face Similar Lawsuits Over Pricing Practices

Publix isn’t the only major supermarket facing allegations of deceptive pricing. Albertsons, which operates chains like Safeway and Vons, recently agreed to a $3.9 million settlement after California prosecutors accused it of overcharging customers and misrepresenting product weights.

Meanwhile, Walmart has been hit with a lawsuit alleging that its checkout prices often exceed the advertised shelf prices. In another case, Costco is facing legal action over claims that it fails to disclose when online prices are higher than in-store prices.

The lawsuits highlight growing concerns over pricing transparency in the grocery industry, as customers demand fairness at the checkout line. In her lawsuit, Koutouzis wants to represent anyone who shopped at Publix nationwide and was affected by the pricing discrepancies. She is suing for violations of the Florida Deceptive And Unfair Trade Practices Act and is seeking damages, fees, costs, and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Koutouzis v. Publix Super Markets, Inc.
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-20767
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Anthony J. Russo and James C. Kelly (The Russo Firm)

Have you shopped at Publix? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your experience in the comments below.