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 with likely source linked to frozen mangoes. The outbreak appears to be ongoing, as recent illnesses continue to be reported to PHAC.
As of July 31, 2021, 3 laboratory-confirmed cases of Hepatitis A illness have been reported from 2 provinces (Québec and Nova Scotia). No hospitalizations or deaths have been reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from late March 2021 and mid-June 2021.
On July 30, the CFIA announced a recall of various frozen mangoes by Nature's Touch Frozen Food Inc. due to possible Hepatitis A contamination.
The recalled products are:
- Nature's Touch Mangoes (frozen) 2 kg, UPC: 8 73668 00180 7, Best Before 2022 NO 09
- Compliments Mango Mania (frozen) 600 g, UPC: 0 55742 50430 9, Best Before 2022 NO 10 and 2022 DE 18
- Irresistibles Mango Chunks (frozen) 600 g, UPC: 0 59749 87600 1, Best Before 2022 NO 10
- President's Choice Mango Chunks (frozen) 600 g, UPC: 0 60383 99387 0, Best Before 2022 NO 06 and 2022 NO 10
These products were distributed in Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Possibly National.
PHAC advises in this case:
- If you have recalled frozen mangoes in your home, do not eat them.
- if you suspect you have been exposed to recalled products, or have symptoms consistent for Hepatitis A, see your health care provider immediately. Vaccination can prevent the onset of symptoms if given within 14 days of exposure.
- If you are unsure whether a frozen mango product you have in your home is part of the food recall warning, do not consume it. Secure the product in a plastic bag, throw it out and wash your hands with warm soapy water.
- If you order food and drinks containing frozen mangoes at a restaurant or food establishment, ask the staff whether the mangoes are part of the food recall warning. If they are, or if they don't know, don't eat or drink these food products.
- Wash and sanitize any drawers or shelves in fridge and freezer areas where recalled products were stored.
- Wash your hands before and after preparing or eating food, and after using the washroom or changing diapers.
- If you have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A, do not prepare or serve food and drinks to others.
- If you have been exposed to Hepatitis A, it is possible to spread the virus to other people before you experience any symptoms.
For more outbreak and recall details please check:
www.canada.ca and
inspection.canada.ca
Source: PHAC and CFIA
