Frozen organic strawberries sold at Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe’s and other retailers have been recalled after the products were linked to five cases of hepatitis A in Washington state, the Food and Drug Administration said.
The administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in partnership with state and local agencies, are investigating the cases, which included two people who were hospitalized.
“Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not sell, serve, or eat recalled frozen strawberries,” the FDA said in a statement. “These recalled products must be returned or disposed of.”
The researchers found that five people who became ill and provided information about what they ate reported consuming strawberries, the FDA said.
The hepatitis A strain is genetically identical to a strain that caused a outbreak of hepatitis A infections in 2022which was linked to fresh organic strawberries also imported from Baja California, Mexico.
The two suppliers in the most recent cases, California Splendor and Scenic Fruit, sold the frozen strawberries to a variety of retailers under various brand names, including Kirkland Signature, Made With, PCC Community Markets, Simply Nature, Trader Joe’s, and Vital Choice, the FDA saying.
“Although hepatitis A has not been detected in this product, out of an abundance of caution, consumers should stop consuming the product and return it to their local store for a refund.” Scenic Fruit said in a statement.
Scenic Fruit said it had ceased production and distribution of the product while the FDA and the company investigate.
California Splendor, whose products had been sold at Costco stores in Hawaii, Los Angeles, and two malls in San Diego, said in a statement that hepatitis A had not been detected in their products.
costco said hepatitis A had not been detected in the products it sold, but added that consumers should return them for a full refund. Aldi said had no reported illnesses related to the recalled products.
Trader Joe’s recalled its organic tropical fruit mix, which included frozen strawberries, as well as frozen bananas, pineapples and mangoes, but not its organic strawberries as an individual product.
“No illnesses have been reported to date, and all potentially affected products have been withdrawn from sale and destroyed.” Trader Joe’s said in a statement. “If you bought any Organic Tropical Fruit Mix, please don’t eat it. We urge you to dispose of the product or return it to any Trader Joe’s for a full refund.”
Hepatitis A attacks the liver. Infection usually occurs within 15 to 50 days of ingesting contaminated food or water, and symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools.
“If consumers purchased the recalled organic 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 health care professional to determine if post-hospital prophylaxis is needed. exposure (PEP). the FDA said.