Frozen fruit has been recalled from Costco, Trader Joe’s and other grocery stores across the country because of an outbreak of Hepatitis A, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced.
Scenic Fruit Company has recalled frozen organic strawberries from Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafoods and PCC Markets as well as its frozen organic tropical blend from Trader Joe’s.
Based on a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been five documented cases of Hepatitis A, all in Washington state, linked to the organic strawberries.
According to the CDC, two people were hospitalized. There have been no deaths reported connected to the strawberries.
The five cases of Hepatitis A that have been documented began sometime between November 24 and the end of December with all five patients reporting having eaten frozen organic strawberries.
The CDC said in its announcement that the frozen fruit is the “likely source of this outbreak,” advising those who purchased the product to not consume the strawberries.
Scenic Food Company wrote in their announcement, “Although Hepatitis A has not been detected on this product, out of an abundance of caution, consumers should stop consuming the product and return it to their local store for a refund.”
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by a virus, according to CDC. The disease can be prevented with a vaccine if administered within two weeks of exposure to the contaminated food, the company announcement says.
If you ate any of the organic strawberries, Scenic suggests that you should consult with a health professional “to determine if a vaccination is appropriate” and for those with symptoms of Hepatitis A to seek immediate care from their physician or local health department.
The recall covers frozen organic strawberries sold to Simply Nature and distributed by them in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
The fruit has also been recalled from Vital Choice, Kirkland Signature, Made With and PCC Community Markets sold in Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Illinois and Maryland.
The company’s organic tropical fruit blend of pineapple, bananas, strawberries and mango has been recalled from Trader Joe’s stores nationwide.
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