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Frozen fruit has been recalled from several stores across the country due to an outbreak of hepatitis A.
According to a company announcement shared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, Scenic Fruit Company has recalled its frozen organic strawberries from Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafoods and PCC Markets, as well as its frozen organic tropical mix from Trader Joe’s.
Based on a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been five documented cases of hepatitis A, all in Washington state, resulting in two hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported.
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The report says the outbreaks began sometime between November 24 and December last year, with all five patients reporting eating frozen organic strawberries.
The CDC claims the frozen fruit is the “likely source of this outbreak” and advises those who purchased the product not to consume the strawberries.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the virus of the same name, with symptoms that vary in severity, according to the CDC. The disease can be prevented with a vaccine if administered within two weeks of exposure to the contaminated food, the company statement said.
Scenic Food Company wrote in their release, “Although hepatitis A has not been detected on this product, out of an abundance of caution, consumers should stop consuming the product and return it to their local store for a refund.”
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The company also stated that customers who may have ingested the product should consult with a health professional “to determine if a vaccination is appropriate” and for those with symptoms of hepatitis A to seek immediate treatment from their local health department.
According to the announcement, Oregon-based Scenic Food Company recalled its frozen organic strawberries sold to Simply Nature from the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
The fruit has also been recalled from Vital Choice, Kirkland Signature, Made With and PCC Community Markets in Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Illinois and Maryland.
Finally, the company’s organic tropical fruit mix of pineapple, banana, strawberry and mango has been recalled from Trader Joe’s stores nationwide.