FDA last reported on this outbreak in mid-June. At the time, there was one less case than was reported now. The problem is of course, with frozen product, people may still have these frozen strawberries in their freezer.
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023
Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections: Frozen Strawberries (February 2023)
Do not eat recalled Frozen Strawberries. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
Current Update
July 20, 2023
Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 10
Hospitalizations: 4
Deaths: 0
Last Illness Onset: June 4, 2023
States with Cases: CA (2), HI (1), OR (1), WA (6)
Product Distribution: Nationwide
As of July 18, 2023, a total of 10 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from four states. Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 10/10 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.
Product
Willamette Valley Fruit Recall:
Great Value Mixed Fruit 4-lb bags, Great Value Sliced Strawberries 4-lb bags, and Great Value Antioxidant Fruit Blend 2-lb bags sold at Walmart.
Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend 48-oz. bags sold at Costco.
Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio 3-lb bags sold at HEB stores.
Wawona Frozen Foods Recall: Wawona brand Organic DayBreak Blend 4-lb. bag with “Use By” dates of 9/23/2023, 9/29/2023, 9/30/2023 and 10/18/2023.
California Splendor Recall: Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries in certain states with specific lot codes.
Scenic Fruit Recall: Recalled brands include Simply Nature, Vital Choice, Kirkland Signature, Made With, PCC Community Markets frozen organic strawberries and Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend with specific best by dates.
Additional recall information is available below.
Stores Affected
Great Value Mixed Fruit, Sliced Strawberries, and Antioxidant Fruit Blend were sold in Walmart stores in AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, and WY.
Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend was sold in Costco stores in CO, TX, CA, and AZ.
Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio was sold in HEB stores in TX.
Wawona Frozen Foods distributed recalled packages of Organic DayBreak Blend to Costco Wholesale stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah, and Washington.
California Splendor supplied recalled product to Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and to two San Diego business centers. Scenic Fruit supplied recalled product to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states, and to Trader Joe’s 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.
This is not an exhaustive list of products or stores. FDA is continuing to work with the firms to identify potential additional product information.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
Illness usually occurs within 15 to 50 days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms of hepatitis A virus infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool. In some instances, particularly in children under the age of six, hepatitis A infection may be asymptomatic.
Status
Ongoing
Recommendation
Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not sell, serve, or eat recalled frozen strawberries. These recalled products should be thrown away.
These items were sold frozen and have a long shelf-life of 18 months to two years. Consumers should check their freezers for any recalled frozen strawberries. If you have recalled frozen strawberries in your freezer, throw them out.
If consumers purchased the recalled frozen strawberries and ate those berries in the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A virus infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A virus infection do not require PEP.
Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of a hepatitis A virus infection after eating these frozen strawberries, or if you believe that you have eaten these strawberries in the last two weeks.
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