The FDA and CDC, along with state and local partners, are investigating a Hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen organic strawberries imported by a common supplier from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico. The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a variety of retailers under multiple... See More brand labels nationwide in the USA. As of March 17, 2023, a total of 5 people infected with Hepatitis A virus have been reported in Washington state (including 2 probable cases). 2 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Last Illness Onset: December 27, 2022.

There have been announced recalls of several Strawberries:
- California Splendor recalled Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries with specific lot codes, sold by Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and to two San Diego business centers.
- Scenic Fruit Recalled frozen organic strawberries with the following brand names and Best By Dates distributed by Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states, and to Trader Joe’s nationwide.
* Simply Nature, Organic Strawberries, Best By 06/14/2024
* Vital Choice, Organic Strawberries, BEST BY 05/20/2024
* Kirkland Signature, Organic Strawberries, Best If Used By 10/08/2024
* Made With, Organic Strawberries, Best Before 11/20/2024
* PCC Community Markets, Organic Strawberries, Best By 29/10/2024
* Trader Joe’s, Organic Tropical Fruit Blend with the following Best By dates: 04/25/24; 05/12/24; 05/23/24; 05/30/24; 06/07/24

The investigation is ongoing, additional products may be included.

FDA gives the following recommendations:
- Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not sell, serve, or eat recalled frozen strawberries. These recalled products should be returned or thrown away.
- If consumers purchased the recalled frozen organic strawberries and ate those berries in the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A virus infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A virus infection do not require PEP.

In case you experienced Hepatitis A symptoms such as fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dark-colored urine, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin), it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.

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Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon is recalling frozen Organic Strawberries sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC Community Markets and frozen Organic Tropical Fruit Blend sold to Trader Joe’s due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease... See More that results from exposure to the Hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or are immune compromised, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure.

Illness occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine, and pale stool. Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to a contaminated food. Persons who may have consumed affected product should consult with their health care professional or local health department to determine if a vaccination is appropriate, and consumers with symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their health care professionals or the local health department immediately.

The following products are subject to this recall. The lot codes and best by dates are found on the back of each bag

Brand: Simply Nature Product Name: Organic Strawberries Net Wt.: 24 oz. UPC; 4099100256222 Best By Dates
Best If Use Dates Best Before Date: 45457 Distributed in States: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin

Brand: Vital Choice Product Name: Organic Strawberries Net Wt.: 16 oz. UPC; 834297005024 Best By Dates
Best If Use Dates Best Before Date: 45432 Distributed in States: Washington

Brand: Kirkland Signature Product Name: Organic Strawberries Net Wt.: 4 lbs. UPC; 96619140404 Best By Dates
Best If Use Dates Best Before Date: 45573 Distributed in States: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington.

Brand: Made With Product Name: Organic Strawberries Net Wt.: 10 oz. UPC; 814343021390 Best By Dates
Best If Use Dates Best Before Date: 45616 Distributed in States: Illinois, Maryland"

Brand: PCC Community Markets Product Name: Organic Strawberries Net Wt.: 32 oz. UPC; 22827109469 Best By Dates
Best If Use Dates Best Before Date: 45594 Distributed in States: Washington

Brand: Trader Joe's Product Name: Organic Tropical Fruit Blend Pineapple, Bananas, Strawberries & Mango Net Wt.: 16 oz UPC; 00511919 Best By Dates Best If Use Dates Best Before Date: 04/25/24; 05/12/24; 05/23/24; 05/30/24; 06/07/24 Distributed in States: Nationwide

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. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

All inventories of the affected lot should be removed from sale. Consumers who have purchased the products are urged to destroy or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

In case you experienced Hepatitis A symptoms such as fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dark-colored urine, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin), it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.

Company name: Scenic Fruit Company
Brand name: Simply Nature, Vital Choice and others
Product recalled: Frozen Organic Strawberries and fruit blend
Reason of the recall: Hepatitis A
FDA Recall date: March 17, 2023

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Trader Joe's is recalling Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend because the supplier informed them that the product may have the potential to be contaminated with Hepatitis A. The product was sold in Trader Joe's stores. No illnesses have been reported to date, and all potentially affected... See More product has been removed from sale and destroyed.

The recalled product is:
- Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend, SKU# 51191, BEST BY dates of 04/25/24, 05/12/24, 05/23/24, 05/30/24, and 06/07/24.

If you have the recalled product in your home, please do not eat it, throw it away or return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund.

In case you experienced Hepatitis A symptoms such as fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dark-colored urine, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin), it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.

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California Splendor, Inc. is recalling certain lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles, Hawaii and two San Diego business centers, due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses. Although, Hepatitis A has not been detected... See More on this product, out of an abundance of caution, consumers should stop consuming the food and return it to their local Costco store for a refund.

The lots subject to this recall are as follows:
140962-08; 142222-23; 142792-54; 142862-57; 142912-59; 142162-20; 142202-21; 142782-53; 142852-56; 142902-58; 142212-22; 142232-24; and 142842-55. The lot number can be identified on the back of the bag.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the Hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Illness generally occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or are immune compromised, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure. Illness occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool. Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to a contaminated food.

Persons who may have consumed affected product should consult with their health care professional or local health department to determine if a vaccination is appropriate, and consumers with symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their health care professionals or the local health department immediately.

In case you experienced Hepatitis A symptoms, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.

Company name: California Splendor, Inc.
Brand name: Kirkland Signature
Product recalled: Frozen Organic Strawberries
Reason of the recall: Hepatitis A
FDA Recall date: March 16, 2023

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The FDA is currently investigating a Hepatitis A outbreak. As of March 01, 2023, a total of 9 people infected with the Hepatitis A virus have been reported. No specific product has been linked to this investigation as of today. This investigation is ongoing.

If you are... See More experiencing Hepatitis A symptoms like fever, jaundice, nausea, clay-colored stool, dark urine, malaise, abdominal discomfort, or vomiting, it is important to report it. It can help to detect and resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

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An outbreak of Hepatitis A has been reported at The Willows Primary School in Ipswich, UK. The UK Health Security Agency sent out a letter to parents on Saturday, January 21, notifying them of the small number of cases of the virus, which is a highly contagious... See More liver infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and jaundice. The letter also stated that Hepatitis A can be spread by the consumption of contaminated food or water, but that for most people, it does not cause any long-term problems.

The UKHSA is currently working with the school to assess the situation and to implement extra precautions to prevent the infection from spreading. These precautions include advising parents to keep children off school for seven days after their symptoms started and to look out for signs of the virus.

In case you experienced Hepatitis A symptoms such as fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dark-colored urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin), it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.

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Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling a specific batch of Pams brand Mixed Berries due to a possible link of Hepatitis A associated with frozen berries sourced from Serbia. The Mixed Berries were released from Foodstuffs South Island Hornby Distribution Centre in error on 14 January 2023... See More following the recall on 4 October 2022. All the affected products are sold at Trents Wholesale and Raeward Fresh stores throughout the South Island and in Pak’n Save, New World and Four Square stores throughout New Zealand.

The recalled products are:
- Pams brand Mixed Berries 500g, All batches
- Pams brand Two Berry Mix 1kg
- Pams brand Two Berry Mix 750g
- Pams brand Smoothie Berry Mix 500g
- Pams brand Raspberries 500g
- Pams brand Raspberries 350g

The products are sold in various sizes in plastic bags, and all batches and all date-making are affected. The products have not been re-exported. Product with a best before date of 14/08/2024 is affected by this update however, all products in this notice are subject to this recall.

There is currently an outbreak of Hepatitis A associated with the consumption of frozen berries. In the January 12, 2023, Hepatitis outbreak update, a total of 35 locally-acquired cases of hepatitis A with identical or near-identical sequence profiles have been linked to the current outbreak since 28 June 2022. 3 new cases associated with the outbreak have been identified since the last update. 7 cases with the outbreak sequence profile did not report consuming berries. Of all cases, 34 are genotype IA and have an identical or very similar sequence profile, which indicates they likely came from the same source. Sequencing for one case linked to the outbreak is pending.

New Zealand Food Safety’s advice to consumers is to:
- Briefly boil frozen berries before eating them, or if you have a thermometer at home, ensure cooking temperatures exceed 85 degrees Celsius for 1 minute. Heated berries can be safely refrozen for later use.
- If you microwave berries, you should stir half-way through the cooking process to make sure they are cooked through. Microwave’s settings will vary, the important thing is to ensure the berries reach boiling.
- Wash your hands before eating and preparing food.

People who have these products at home should not eat them raw. Bringing them to the boil will make them safe, or they can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

If you are experiencing Hepatitis A symptoms like fever, jaundice, nausea, clay-colored stool, dark urine, malaise, abdominal discomfort, or vomiting, it is important to report it. It can help to detect and resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

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Had an Asiago cheese bagel with garden veggie spread on Saturday after thanksgiving. Took 3 bites and they were fine, tasted okay. Then instantly explosively vomited on 4th bite. Stopped eating after. Pretty sure preparer was not wearing gloves. Was very sick the next week and had... See More blood work done, which showed severe elevated liver enzymes. Additional tests showed active hepatitis A. No additional risk exposure from lifestyle so very likely from that day and food preparer. | Symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting See Less

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Exportadora Copramar is recalling 1260 cases of James Farm frozen raspberries due to the potential of the product being contaminated with Hepatitis A. The product is exclusively sold through Restaurant Depot/Jetro locations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. There... See More have been no illnesses or adverse reaction reports to date related to this product.

This Notice affects the following product:
1260 cases of James Farms Frozen Raspberries : 2/5 lb. bags per 10 lb carton
"Best if used by " date of June 14th, 2024 .
"Product of Chile."UPC Code: 76069501010, Lot Code - CO 22-165
UPC code is found on the top of the carton with the lot code on the bottom of the carton.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing indicated the presence of Hepatitis A in James Farm branded frozen raspberries identified by UPC Code: 76069501010 and Lot Code - 22-165.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the Hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Illness generally occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool. Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to a contaminated food. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or are immune compromised, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure. Persons who may have consumed affected product should consult with their health care professional or local health department to determine if a vaccination is appropriate, and consumers with symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their health care professionals or the local health department immediately.

The recalled frozen raspberries are packaged in foodservice 10 lb James Farm branded cartons.

All inventories of the affected lot have been removed from Restaurant Depot/Jetro locations. Restaurant Depot/Jetro locations are also directly contacting their customers regarding this recall.

No other retail packages of frozen raspberry products are included in this voluntary recall. Consumers who have purchased the above products should not consume them and should either discard them or return them to point of sale / place of purchase for a full refund.

In case you experienced Hepatitis A symptoms, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.

Company name: Exportadora Compramar
Brand name: James Farms
Product recalled: Frozen Raspberries
Reason of the recall: Hepatitis A
FDA Recall date: December 03, 2022

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Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling various Pams frozen berry products as a precaution because of a possible link to recent cases of Hepatitis A. The products are being removed from New World, Pak’n Save and Four Square stores nationwide, and from Trents and Raeward Fresh stores... See More in the South Island. The products under recall were identified through the course of New Zealand Food Safety’s ongoing investigation.

The recalled products are:
- Pams Frozen Mixed Berries 500g.
- Pams Frozen Two Berry Mix 1kg.
- Pams Frozen Two Berry Mix 750g.
- Pams Frozen Smoothie Berry Mix 500g.
- Pams Raspberries 500g.
- Pams Raspberries 350g.

The New Zealand Food Safety investigation into the source of the illness continues and existing advice to heat treat all frozen berries remains. There are currently 12 Hepatitis A cases in the community linked to the consumption of frozen berries. 7 of the 12 cases have been hospitalized.

The recalled products contain berries from Serbia and were reported as eaten by most of the people who have become sick. In the meantime, as an additional precaution, other frozen berry importers have decided to place on hold other berries which can be traced back to Serbia while the investigation continues.

People who have these products at home should not eat them raw. Bringing them to the boil will make them safe, or they can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.

New Zealand Food Safety’s advice to consumers:
- Briefly boil frozen berries before eating them, or if you have a thermometer at home, ensure cooking temperatures exceed 85 degrees Celsius for 1 minute. Heated berries can be safely refrozen for later use.
- If you microwave berries, you should stir at half-way through the cooking process to make sure they are cooked through. Microwave’s settings will vary, the important thing is to ensure the berries reach boiling.
- Wash your hands before eating and preparing food.

If you are experiencing Hepatitis A symptoms like fever, jaundice, nausea, clay-colored stool, dark urine, malaise, abdominal discomfort, or vomiting, it is important to report it. It can help to detect and resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: mpi.govt.nz See Less

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