More products containing strawberries recalled over Hepatitis A contamination at Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC Community Markets and Trader Joe’s

Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon is recalling frozen organic strawberries and frozen organic tropical blend because of an outbreak of hepatitis A illnesses.

The recalled frozen organic strawberries were sold at Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC Community Markets and the frozen organic tropical blend was sold at Trader Joe’s.

The following products are subject to this recall:

 The lot codes and best by dates are found on the back of each bag.

Product images can be found here.

The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

All inventories of the affected lot should be removed from sale. Consumers who have purchased the products are urged to destroy or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

 About Hepatitis A
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. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or are immune compromised, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure.

Illness 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. 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.

(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here)