Natalia Chi
Some of Scenic Fruit Company’s frozen fruit products sold at Costco, Trader Joe’s and several other stores have been recalled because they may be contaminated with hepatitis A, Food and Drugs said. The station made the announcement on Friday.
A nationwide recall was issued specifically for Frozen Organic Strawberries sold at Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC Community Market, and Trader Joe’s Frozen Organic Tropical Blend, according to the agency.
Frozen strawberries could be sold under brand names such as Kirkland, Simply Nature, Made With and PCC Community Markets, the FDA said.
FDA publishes more information here About the universal product code, expiration date, brand name, product name, and states in which the berries were sold.
Although hepatitis A has not actually been detected in these products, the FDA is urging consumers to return recalled products “with great care” for a refund.
The Oregon-based Scenic Fruit Company has suspended production and distribution of its products while both the company and the FDA investigate.
Trader Joe said statement No illnesses have been reported associated with those products, and they have been removed from store shelves and destroyed.
Hepatitis A is a “contagious liver disease,” according to the FDA, and can occur 15 to 50 days after exposure, including eating contaminated food. It can present as a mild illness that lasts for a few weeks, but it can also lead to a more serious illness that lasts for months.
Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, and abnormal liver tests. For consumers with pre-existing health conditions, severe cases of hepatitis A can lead to liver failure.
The FDA recommends that customers who may have eaten the product consult a health care professional who may recommend vaccinations. She recommends that anyone who already has symptoms of hepatitis A contact their doctor or local health department immediately.
