Frozen Fruit Recall Out of Abundance of Caution for Concerns of Hepatitis A
It affects strawberry products that were sold at Costco and Trader Joe’s.
In coordination with the FDA, Scenic Fruit Company, located in Gresham, Oregon recalled frozen organic strawberries sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC Community Markets and frozen organic tropical blend sold to Trader Joe’s due to an outbreak of hepatitis A illnesses.
It is important to note the hepatitis virus has not been detected in this product, but out of an abundance of caution, the company said consumers should stop consuming the product and return it to their local store for a refund.
Hepatitis A 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 2 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.
Scenic Fruit Company has stopped production and distribution of the product as the 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. Consumers with questions may contact the company at customer.service@scenicfruit.com.
For consumers who are uncertain, and want more information on the strawberries there are some images of the affected products on the FDA website, and they can be accessed here.
