Outbreak of hepatitis A due to consumption of frozen strawberries: affected brands and stores
The FDA is investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to frozen strawberries. Here the affected states and stores, as well as the brands.
As of February, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to investigate outbreaks of hepatitis A virus infections associated with the consumption of frozen strawberries grown in Mexico. The agency has recently identified additional companies that may have received potentially contaminated products.
According to data from the FDA, there have been 9 cases, including 3 hospitalizations. The states where cases have been found include: Washington, with 6, California, with 2, Oregon with 1.
Alert for hepatitis A outbreak due to consumption of frozen strawberries: brands withdrawn from the market
The contaminated products, distributed across the country in stores such as Walmart, Costco and HEB, have been voluntarily recalled by several companies:
Willamette Valley Fruit recalled the following products:
- 4-pound Great Value Mixed Fruit, 4-pound Great Value Sliced Strawberries, 2-pound Great Value Antioxidant Fruit Blend, sold at Walmart
- 48 oz Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend, sold at Costco
- Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio 3lbs, Sold in HEB
Wawona Frozen Foods recalled the following products:
- Wawona brand Organic DayBreak Blend 4lbs
California Splendor retired:
- 4 Pound Bag of Kirkland Signature Organic Frozen Whole Strawberries
Scenic Fruit withdrew brands such as:
- Simply Nature, Vital Choice, Kirkland Signature, Made With, PCC Community Markets frozen organic strawberries, and Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend.
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Alert for hepatitis A outbreak due to consumption of frozen strawberries: affected states
Great Value Mixed Fruit 4 lbs., Great Value Sliced Strawberries 4 lbs., Great Value Antioxidant Fruit Blend 2 lbs. were sold at Walmart stores from:
- Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada , New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend products were sold at Costco stores in Colorado, Texas, California and Arizona. On the other hand, Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio products were sold at HEB stores in Texas.
In addition, Wawona Frozen Foods distributed recalled packets of Organic DayBreak Blend to Costco Wholesale stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah and Washington. Meanwhile, California Splendor supplied recalled products to Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and two malls in San Diego.
Scenic Fruit also supplied recalled products to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood and PCC Community Markets in select states, and Trader Joe's nationwide.
FDA recommendations for the Hepatitis A outbreak and the consumption of frozen strawberries
Consumers, restaurants and retailers should not sell, serve or eat recalled frozen strawberries. These recalled products should be thrown away. Consumers should check their freezers for recalled frozen strawberries to throw away.
If consumers purchased the recalled strawberries and ate them in the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult their health care professional.
Consumers should contact their health care provider if they think they may have symptoms of a hepatitis A virus infection after eating the recalled strawberries or if they think you may have eaten these strawberries in the last two weeks.
Hepatitis A symptoms
Illness usually occurs within 15 to 50 days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms of hepatitis A virus infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools.