More strawberries recalled over hepatitis A contamination

Cascade International Foods, Inc, of Hillsboro, OR, is recalling over 35,000 pounds of Fresh Organic Freezer Strawberries because of potential hepatitis A contamination.

There is currently an ongoing investigation into a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections, the FDA has identified additional brands of frozen strawberries that could be contaminated. Multiple products have been recalled, for a complete list of products recalled so far, plus product photos, please click here.

The outbreak has sickened nine people across three states as of June 13. Three people have been so sick they required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. Sick people live in Washington, Oregon and California.

According to the details published by FDA, the recall was initiated on May 25, 2023, and is ongoing.

The recalled product was distributed in California and Oregon.

Recalled product:

• Fresh Organic Freezer Strawberries Mexico with calyx (caps) removed
• net weight 18 pounds, packaged in a T60-800 Polyethylene Homopolymer picking tray. 
• Lot codes: 030122-50029 030222-50029 030822-50029 030922-50029 031122-50029 
• The code Interpretation: 030122 (MMDDYY) 
• Date code of when fruit was picked. 50029: Cascade’s internal code for ranch identifying number. 
• Load Shipment Number: CIM 125-22 CIM 129-22 CIM 130-22 CIM 144-22 CIM 146-22 CIM 147-22 
• The product is imported and distributed in fresh condition by Cascade International Foods.

Anyone who purchased the recalled product should immediately dispose of it and not consume it.

About hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable, liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Anyone who has eaten frozen strawberries and developed symptoms of hepatitis A should contact their health care providers and tell them of their potential exposure to the virus. Specific tests are required to diagnose hepatitis A infections because they can mimic other illnesses.

Not everyone with hepatitis A has symptoms. Adults are more likely to have symptoms than children. If symptoms develop, they usually appear two to seven weeks, at an average of 28-30 days, after infection. Symptoms usually last less than two months, although some people can be ill for as long as six months.

If symptoms develop, they can include yellow skin or eyes, not wanting to eat, upset stomach throwing up, stomach pain, fever, dark urine or light-colored stools, diarrhea, joint pain and feeling tired.

Even if no symptoms are present people can still spread the infection. In addition, a person can transmit hepatitis A to others up to two weeks before symptoms appear.

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