Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Frozen Blackberries Recalled Due to Potential for Hepatitis A

FDA issued a consumer alert for frozen blackberries potentially contaminated with hepatitis A virus (HAV).    The notice states, "At this time, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are not aware of any cases of hepatitis A linked to the consumption of Kroger Private Selection brand frozen blackberries."  Although nothing was stated, this indicates that someone who handled the product in the up-stream supplier chain had been diagnosed with Hepatitis A.

Kroger issued a recall for the frozen blackberries and the Triple Berry Medley.  The product was sold at Kroger stores.  Costco also recalled product that was shipped to 5 states.

The concern is that if the infected person contaminated the berries when handling the product, even a small amount on the frozen berries could make someone ill.   Of course, many of the berries would be eaten in the raw form.



https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/public-health-alert-concerning-hepatitis-virus-contamination-kroger-brand-frozen-blackberries
Public Health Alert Concerning Hepatitis A Virus Contamination of Kroger Brand Frozen Blackberries
June 7, 2019


The FDA is alerting consumers to a hepatitis A virus (HAV) contamination of frozen blackberries under the Kroger grocery store “Private Selection” brand. This contamination was discovered by the FDA as a part of an ongoing frozen berry sampling assignment. The FDA is advising consumers not to eat and to throw away certain frozen blackberry products purchased from Kroger and other retail locations packaged under Kroger’s “Private Selection” brand. Here are the recalled products:
•PRIVATE SELECTION FROZEN TRIPLE BERRY MEDLEY, 48 OZ (BEST BY: 07-07-20; UPC: 0001111079120);
•PRIVATE SELECTION FROZEN TRIPLE BERRY MEDLEY, 16 OZ (BEST BY: 06-19-20; UPC: 0001111087808);
•PRIVATE SELECTION FROZEN BLACKBERRIES, 16 OZ (BEST BY: 06-19-20, 07-02-20; UPC: 0001111087809)

Kroger Brand Frozen Blackberries
These products are available at Kroger and other retail locations and have a two-year shelf life. The FDA is working with the manufacturer on this matter. This posting will be updated with new information as it becomes available. The FDA is continuing to investigate to determine whether there are other implicated products.

At this time, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are not aware of any cases of hepatitis A linked to the consumption of Kroger Private Selection brand frozen blackberries. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) can result in a liver infection that may be inapparent. However, when symptoms occur, they can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. HAV is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected. HAV is spread when someone ingests the virus, usually through person-to-person contact or from eating contaminated food or drink. Contamination of food with the hepatitis A virus can happen at any point: growing, harvesting, processing, handling, and even after cooking.

Hepatitis A can have a long incubation period and can have serious health consequences for some people, especially those who are immune-compromised. People infected with HAV may not have symptoms until 15 to 50 days after exposure, which often makes it difficult to determine the exact exposure that led to illness. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (known as jaundice), dark urine, and pale stool. Young children may not show symptoms of HAV infection.

The FDA recommends that consumers who consumed the frozen berries listed above and have not been vaccinated for HAV consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated. PEP may be recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to HAV in the last two weeks; those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A infection do not require PEP.
 Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have become ill from eating frozen blackberries, or if you believe that you have eaten any of the frozen blackberry products noted above within the last two weeks.

The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time, or to consult http://www.fda.gov.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kroger-recalls-select-frozen-private-selection-berries-possible-health-risk
Kroger Recalls Select Frozen Private Selection Berries for Possible Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 07, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 07, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Fruit/Fruit Product Reason for Announcement:Possible Hepatitis A Contamination
Company Name:The Kroger Co.
Brand Name:  Private Selection
Product Description:  Frozen Triple Berry Medley
 
Company Announcement

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) said today it is recalling Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley (48 oz), Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley (16 oz), and Private Selection Frozen Blackberries (16 oz) manufactured by Townsend Farms due to possible Hepatitis A contamination.

No customer illnesses have been reported to date. Kroger was informed by the FDA that a sample of the Private Selection frozen berries was tested by the FDA and found to be contaminated with Hepatitis A.

Kroger is recalling the following items, which were distributed to all Kroger family of store bannersExternal Link Disclaimer across the country:
•PRIVATE SELECTION FROZEN TRIPLE BERRY MEDLEY, 48 OZ (BEST BY: 07-07-20; UPC: 0001111079120);
•PRIVATE SELECTION FROZEN TRIPLE BERRY MEDLEY, 16 OZ (BEST BY: 06-19-20; UPC: 0001111087808);
•PRIVATE SELECTION FROZEN BLACKBERRIES, 16 OZ (BEST BY: 06-19-20, 07-02-20; UPC: 0001111087809)

Kroger has removed the potentially affected items from store shelves and initiated its customer recall notification system that alerts customers who may have purchased recalled products through register receipt tape messages and phone calls.
 Customers who have purchased the above products should not consume them and should return them to a store for a full refund or replacement.

Customers who have questions may contact Kroger at 1-800-KROGERS Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to midnight EST, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM EST.

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.

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KRExternal Link Disclaimer), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are nearly half a million associates who serve nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner namesExternal Link Disclaimer, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroomExternal Link Disclaimer and investor relations siteExternal Link

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/townsend-farms-inc-identifies-three-new-states-receiving-recalled-domestic-conventional-frozen
Townsend Farms, Inc., Identifies Three New States Receiving Recalled Domestic Conventional Frozen Kirkland Three Berry Blend
Summary

Company Announcement Date: June 12, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 12, 2019
Reason for Announcement: Hepatitis A
Company Name: Townsend Farms, Inc.
Brand Name: Kirkland Signature
Product Description: Three Berry Blend
Company Announcement

Townsend Farms, Inc., in consultation with Costco, has identified three new states receiving the recalled conventional frozen Kirkland Three Berry Blend. On June 11, 2019, Townsend Farms, Inc., reported that Costco sold the frozen Kirkland Three Berry Blend, 4 lb bag only in stores located in San Diego and Los Angeles, California and Hawaii. Out of an abundance of caution, and based on discussions with Costco and the FDA, Townsend Farms, Inc. is now reporting that Costco also sold the recalled conventional frozen Kirkland Three Berry Blend in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.  The Best By codes have not changed from the original June 11, 2019 Press Release. No product manufactured for Costco by Townsend Farms has tested positive for Hepatitis A.  Costco has no product in its current inventory. Costco has been notifying its members about the potential health risk for all affected states including Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada.

This Notice affects the following product:

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE THREE BERRY BLEND, 4 lb bag
The “Best By” code is located in the white box on the back of the Product bag (see picture for example only):
FEB1620,(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
FEB1820,(A),(B),(C),or (D);
FEB2920,(A),(B),(C),or (D);
MAR0120,(A),(B),(C),or (D);
APR1920,(B),(C), or (D);
APR2020(A),(B),(C),(D),(E), or (F);
APR2720(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
APR2820(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
MAY0220(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
MAY0420 (H).
Below each “Best By” code is the Vendor Code #63720 (see picture for example). Product that does not have one of the above “Best By” codes and the Vendor Code immediately below is not subject to the voluntary recall.
According to the FDA and CDC there have been no customer illness reports to date related to any product manufactured by Townsend Farms, Inc., using these blackberries.

Members who have purchased the above product should not consume it. Instead, photograph the product bag for your records, dispose of the product and contact your local Costco for a full refund.

Costco members who have questions should contact Townsend Farms, Inc., customer service representatives at 877-244- 0947 or by email at TownsendFarms4283@stericycle.com.

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.

Townsend Farms, Inc., is a family owned business that has been farming in Oregon since 1906. We are dedicated to safety in our food processing and sustainable farming practices. We utilize Good Agricultural Practices as well as Good Manufacturing Practices and are Safety Quality Food certified. We take your food safety seriously.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/townsend-farms-inc-notifies-costco-possible-health-risk-and-recalls-conventional-frozen-kirkland
Townsend Farms, Inc., Notifies Costco of Possible Health Risk and Recalls Conventional Frozen Kirkland Three Berry Blend

Summary
Company Announcement Date: June 11, 2019
FDA Publish Date: June 11, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Hepatitis A
Company Name: Townsend Farms, Inc.
Brand Name: Kirkland Signature
Product Description: Three Berry Blend
Company Announcement

Out of an abundance of caution, Townsend Farms, Inc. has notified Costco that a recent FDA test indicated that a domestic conventional frozen blackberry product manufactured by Townsend Farms, Inc., may be contaminated with Hepatitis A. Townsend Farms, Inc. used the domestic conventional frozen blackberry to manufacture the Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend product with Best By Dates between February 16, 2020, and May 4, 2020. Costco only sold the product in stores located in San Diego and Los Angles, California and Hawaii. No product manufactured for Costco by Townsend Farms has tested positive for Hepatitis A. Costco has no product in its current inventory. Costco has been notifying its members about the potential health risk.

This Notice affects the following product:

KIRKLAND SIGNATURE THREE BERRY BLEND, 4 lb bag —
Best By codes located in the white box on the back of the Product bag:

FEB1620,(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
FEB1820,(A),(B),(C),or (D);
FEB2920,(A),(B),(C),or (D);
MAR0120,(A),(B),(C),or (D);
APR1920,(B),(C), or (D);
APR2020(A),(B),(C),(D),(E), or (F);
APR2720(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
APR2820(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
MAY0220(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
MAY0420 (H).
According to the FDA and CDC there have been no customer illness reports to date related to any product manufactured by Townsend Farms, Inc., using these blackberries.

Members who have purchased the above product should not consume it. Instead, photograph the product bag for your records, dispose of the product and contact your local Costco for a full refund.

Costco members who have questions should contact Townsend Farms, Inc., customer service representatives at 877-244- 0947 or by email at TownsendFarms4283@stericycle.com.

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.

Townsend Farms, Inc., is a family owned business that has been farming in Oregon since 1906. We are dedicated to safety in our food processing and sustainable farming practices. We utilize Good Agricultural Practices as well as Good Manufacturing Practices and are Safety Quality Food certified. We take your food safety seriously.

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