Product recalls began for one company, California Splendor, on March 16, 2023. "In response to this investigation, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon voluntarily recalled frozen organic strawberries, sold to Costco, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in certain states."
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/2023/hav-contaminated-food/index.htm
Multistate Outbreak of Hepatitis A Virus Infections Linked to Frozen Organic Strawberries
At a Glance
Reported cases: 7
States: 2
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/2023/hav-contaminated-food/index.htm
Multistate Outbreak of Hepatitis A Virus Infections Linked to Frozen Organic Strawberries
At a Glance
Reported cases: 7
States: 2
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Outbreak Information
As of April 7, 2023, there are:
In interviews, 7/7 (100%) people reported eating frozen organic strawberries.
Investigation Details
CDC, state public health and regulatory officials, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, by a common supplier. Frozen organic strawberries may be sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels. Traceback and epidemiological investigations show that people with outbreak-associated cases purchased the same retail brand of frozen organic strawberries prior to becoming ill.
As of April 7, 2023, a total of 7 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from 2 states.
Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to March 26, 2023. Ill people range in age from 38 to 64 years, with a median age of 57 years. Twenty-nine percent of ill people are female. Of 7 people with available information, 2 (29%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Investigation of the Outbreak
Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that frozen organic strawberries, imported fresh from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico in 2022, are the likely source of this outbreak. The hepatitis A virus strain causing illnesses in this outbreak is genetically identical to the strain that caused a foodborne hepatitis A outbreak in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico, and sold at various retailers.
In interviews, ill people answered questions about the foods they ate and other exposures in the 2 to 7 weeks before they became ill. Of people who were interviewed, all of them reported eating frozen organic strawberries. This proportion was significantly higher than results from a survey of healthy people in which 24% reported eating frozen berries in the week before they were interviewed.
In response to this investigation, California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California voluntarily recalled certain lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles, California; Hawaii; and two San Diego, California business centers. The lots subject to this recall include: 140962-08, 142222-23, 142792-54, 142862-57, 142912-59, 142162-20, 142202-21, 142782-53, 142852-56, 142902-58, 142212-22, 142232-24, 142842-55.
In response to this investigation, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon voluntarily recalled frozen organic strawberries, sold to Costco, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in certain states. Products subject to this recall include:
As of April 7, 2023, there are:
- 7 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A reported from 2 states (California and Washington).
- Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to March 26, 2023.
- 2 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
- Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that frozen organic strawberries are the likely source of this outbreak.
In interviews, 7/7 (100%) people reported eating frozen organic strawberries.
Investigation Details
CDC, state public health and regulatory officials, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, by a common supplier. Frozen organic strawberries may be sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels. Traceback and epidemiological investigations show that people with outbreak-associated cases purchased the same retail brand of frozen organic strawberries prior to becoming ill.
As of April 7, 2023, a total of 7 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from 2 states.
Illnesses started on dates ranging from November 24, 2022, to March 26, 2023. Ill people range in age from 38 to 64 years, with a median age of 57 years. Twenty-nine percent of ill people are female. Of 7 people with available information, 2 (29%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Investigation of the Outbreak
Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that frozen organic strawberries, imported fresh from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico in 2022, are the likely source of this outbreak. The hepatitis A virus strain causing illnesses in this outbreak is genetically identical to the strain that caused a foodborne hepatitis A outbreak in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico, and sold at various retailers.
In interviews, ill people answered questions about the foods they ate and other exposures in the 2 to 7 weeks before they became ill. Of people who were interviewed, all of them reported eating frozen organic strawberries. This proportion was significantly higher than results from a survey of healthy people in which 24% reported eating frozen berries in the week before they were interviewed.
In response to this investigation, California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California voluntarily recalled certain lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles, California; Hawaii; and two San Diego, California business centers. The lots subject to this recall include: 140962-08, 142222-23, 142792-54, 142862-57, 142912-59, 142162-20, 142202-21, 142782-53, 142852-56, 142902-58, 142212-22, 142232-24, 142842-55.
In response to this investigation, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon voluntarily recalled frozen organic strawberries, sold to Costco, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in certain states. Products subject to this recall include:
Brand Name Product Name Net Wt. UPC Best By Date, Best If Use Date, Best Before Date Distributed in States
Simply Nature Organic Strawberries 24 oz. 4099100256222 6/14/2024 Arizona,
Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Vital Choice Organic Strawberries 16 oz. 834297005024 5/20/2024 Washington
Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberries 4 lbs. 96619140404 10/8/2024 Alaska,
Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington
Made With Organic Strawberries 10 oz. 814343021390 11/20/2024 Illinois, Maryland
PCC Community Markets Organic Strawberries 32 oz. 22827109469 29/10/2024 Washington
Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend Pineapple, Bananas, Strawberries & Mango 16 oz. 00511919 04/25/24, 05/12/24, 05/23/24, 05/30/24, 06/07/24 Nationwide
On March 17, 2023, a retailer, Meijer, also issued press to voluntarily recall Made-With brand frozen organic strawberries from certain market store locations.
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023
FDA’s investigation is ongoing; additional products might be included in the future.
Current Update
April 11, 2023
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections 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 brand labels.
Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 7/7 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries. FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common supplier of the frozen organic strawberries. Strawberries used by this supplier were imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, in 2022. Additionally, the strain of hepatitis A virus causing illnesses this year is genetically identical to the strain that caused the outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico, and sold at various retailers.
Simply Nature Organic Strawberries 24 oz. 4099100256222 6/14/2024 Arizona,
Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Vital Choice Organic Strawberries 16 oz. 834297005024 5/20/2024 Washington
Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberries 4 lbs. 96619140404 10/8/2024 Alaska,
Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington
Made With Organic Strawberries 10 oz. 814343021390 11/20/2024 Illinois, Maryland
PCC Community Markets Organic Strawberries 32 oz. 22827109469 29/10/2024 Washington
Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend Pineapple, Bananas, Strawberries & Mango 16 oz. 00511919 04/25/24, 05/12/24, 05/23/24, 05/30/24, 06/07/24 Nationwide
On March 17, 2023, a retailer, Meijer, also issued press to voluntarily recall Made-With brand frozen organic strawberries from certain market store locations.
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023
FDA’s investigation is ongoing; additional products might be included in the future.
Current Update
April 11, 2023
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections 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 brand labels.
Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 7/7 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries. FDA’s traceback investigation identified a common supplier of the frozen organic strawberries. Strawberries used by this supplier were imported from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico, in 2022. Additionally, the strain of hepatitis A virus causing illnesses this year is genetically identical to the strain that caused the outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico, and sold at various retailers.
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: March 26, 2023
States with Cases: WA (5), CA (2)
Product Distribution: Nationwide
What is Hepatitis A?
Recalled Products
In response to this investigation, California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California, has voluntarily recalled certain lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and at two San Diego business centers.
The lots of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries subject to this recall include:
Brand Name Product Name Net Wt. Lot Codes Distribution
Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries
4-lb.
140962-08 142222-23 142792-54 142862-57 142912-59 142162-20 142202-21 142782-53
142852-56 142902-58 142212-22 142232-24 142842-55
CA (Los Angeles and San Diego), HI
Total Illnesses: 7
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: March 26, 2023
States with Cases: WA (5), CA (2)
Product Distribution: Nationwide
What is Hepatitis A?
Recalled Products
In response to this investigation, California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California, has voluntarily recalled certain lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and at two San Diego business centers.
The lots of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries subject to this recall include:
Brand Name Product Name Net Wt. Lot Codes Distribution
Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries
4-lb.
140962-08 142222-23 142792-54 142862-57 142912-59 142162-20 142202-21 142782-53
142852-56 142902-58 142212-22 142232-24 142842-55
CA (Los Angeles and San Diego), HI
In response to this investigation, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon, has voluntarily recalled frozen organic strawberries, sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in certain states and to Trader Joe’s nationwide.
Products subject to this recall include:
Brand Name Product Name Net Wt. UPC Best By Dates Distribution
Simply Nature Organic Strawberries 24 oz.
4099100256222
6/14/2024
AZ, AR, CA, IL, IA, MI, MN, MO, ND, OH, SD, WI
Vital Choice Organic Strawberries
16 oz.
834297005024 5/20/2024
WA
Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberries
4 lbs.
96619140404 10/8/2024
AK, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA
Made With Organic Strawberries
10 oz.
814343021390 11/20/2024
IL, MD
PCC Community Markets Organic Strawberries
32 oz.
22827109469 29/10/2024
WA
Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend
16 oz.
00511919 04/25/24 05/12/24 05/23/24 05/30/24 06/07/24
Nationwide
On March 17, 2023, the retailer, Meijer, also issued press to voluntarily recall Made-WithExternal Link Disclaimer brand frozen organic strawberries from certain market store locations.
As this investigation is ongoing, additional products may be included. More information will be provided in this advisory as it becomes available.
Products subject to this recall include:
Brand Name Product Name Net Wt. UPC Best By Dates Distribution
Simply Nature Organic Strawberries 24 oz.
4099100256222
6/14/2024
AZ, AR, CA, IL, IA, MI, MN, MO, ND, OH, SD, WI
Vital Choice Organic Strawberries
16 oz.
834297005024 5/20/2024
WA
Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberries
4 lbs.
96619140404 10/8/2024
AK, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA
Made With Organic Strawberries
10 oz.
814343021390 11/20/2024
IL, MD
PCC Community Markets Organic Strawberries
32 oz.
22827109469 29/10/2024
WA
Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend
16 oz.
00511919 04/25/24 05/12/24 05/23/24 05/30/24 06/07/24
Nationwide
On March 17, 2023, the retailer, Meijer, also issued press to voluntarily recall Made-WithExternal Link Disclaimer brand frozen organic strawberries from certain market store locations.
As this investigation is ongoing, additional products may be included. More information will be provided in this advisory as it becomes available.
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