In response to an investigation, two suppliers have recalled frozen organic strawberries due to a potential contamination of Hepatitis A. California Splendor of San Diego, California, has recalled 4-pound bags of Kirkland brand frozen strawberries at Costco stores in California. Scenic Fruit Company, of Gresham, Oregon, has voluntarily recalled frozen organic strawberries sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood and PCC Community Markets in certain states and to Trader Joe’s nationwide.
Exposure to the hepatitis A virus can lead to the contagious liver disease known as hepatitis A.[0] Generally, signs of illness show up 15-20 days after ingesting contaminated food or water. These may include tiredness, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes, strange liver test results, dark urine, and stools that are lighter than usual.[1] According to the FDA, the strain of hepatitis A virus causing illnesses this year is genetically identical to the strain that caused the outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico.[1]
If you possess any of the strawberries that have been recalled, the CDC and FDA suggest that you dispose of them or take them back to the store for a refund.[2] Included in the recall is Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend with best by dates of 04/25/24, 05/12/24, 05/23/24, 05/30/24, and 06/07/24.[3] Vital Choice Organic Strawberries with a UPC code of 834297005024 and a best by date of May 20, 2024, Made With Organic Strawberries with a UPC code of 814343021390 and a best by date of November 20, 2024, and PCC Community Markets Organic Strawberries with a UPC code of 22827109469 and a best by date of October 29, 2024, are also recalled.[4]
Two people have been hospitalized due to the hepatitis A contamination, and no deaths have been reported. The Scenic Fruit Company has suspended the production and distribution of their products while the company and the FDA conduct an investigation.[5] Consumers are urged to destroy or return the recalled products to the place of purchase for a full refund.[6]
0. “Frozen fruit sold at Florida grocery store recalled due to Hepatitis A risk” WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando, 19 Mar. 2023, https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/03/19/frozen-fruit-sold-at-florida-grocery-store-recalled-due-to-hepatitis-a-risk
1. “Frozen organic strawberries recalled over possible link to hepatitis A outbreak” WPVI-TV, 18 Mar. 2023, https://6abc.com/frozen-organic-strawberries-recalled-over-possible-link-to-hepatiti/12974470
2. “Frozen strawberries recall: Fruit sold at Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe’s recalled over possible Hepatitis A contamination” WTVD-TV, 18 Mar. 2023, https://abc11.com/frozen-strawberries-recall-recalled-hepatitis-a-symptoms/12969662/
3. “Frozen fruit sold at Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Costco recalled after hepatitis A outbreak” WDRB, 18 Mar. 2023, https://www.wdrb.com/news/frozen-fruit-sold-at-trader-joes-aldi-costco-recalled-after-hepatitis-a-outbreak/article_652a49a0-c527-11ed-a4b2-f3b10697490a.html
4. “Frozen organic strawberries sold in WA recalled after hepatitis A outbreak” The Seattle Times, 18 Mar. 2023, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/frozen-organic-strawberries-sold-in-wa-recalled-after-hepatitis-a-outbreak
5. “Frozen fruit recalled at Costco, Trader Joe’s due to hepatitis A risk” NBC News, 17 Mar. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/frozen-fruit-recalled-costco-trader-joes-hepatitis-rcna75520
6. “Frozen fruit urgently recalled over fears it has been contaminated with Hepatitis A” The Mirror, 18 Mar. 2023, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/frozen-fruit-urgently-recalled-over-29491002