Imported fresh organic strawberries - linked to Hepatitis A Outbreak Canada

Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of hepatitis A infections potentially linked to imported fresh organic strawberries sold between March 5 and 9, 2022 at Co-op stores in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Currently, there are no food recall warnings associated with this outbreak, because these imported fresh organic strawberries are no longer available for purchase in Canada.

As of May 27, 2022, there are 10 laboratory-confirmed cases of hepatitis A illness being investigated in two provinces: Alberta (4) and Saskatchewan (6). 4 individuals have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. Individuals became ill between early and mid April 2022.

Check your freezer for these strawberries if you had bought them and froze them to eat later. Do not eat these strawberries. Throw away any remaining fresh organic strawberries that were purchased between March 5 and 9, 2022 at Co-op stores in Alberta and Saskatchewan. If you don't know where the strawberries came from, throw them out.

If you suspect you have been exposed to these organic strawberries, or have symptoms consistent with hepatitis A infection, 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. Vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A infection if given within 14 days of exposure.

Source: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/public-health-notices/2022/outbreak-hepatitis-a-infections-linked-imported-fresh-organic-strawberries.html