Multiple food retailers have recalled frozen strawberries as the fruit has been linked to a viral outbreak of Hepatitis A.
RELATED STORIES: Jif Peanut Butter Recalled After Several Cases Of Salmonella Are Reported
According to Insider, frozen strawberries were recalled from two food retailers after five people reportedly contracted Hepatitis A from eating them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two people were hospitalized. The infected strawberries were sold in stores such as Trader Joe’s by California-based companies Splendor and Scenic Fruit. The cause of the outbreak, however, is still being investigated.
Additionally, Hepatitis A is spread by contaminated fecal matter; most likely, someone who handled the fruit didn’t practice proper hygiene. CDC officials said the best way to prevent the disease is to get vaccinated in addition to washing your hands after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
RELATED STORIES: CDC Investigating Five Deaths & 100 Cases Of Unexplained Hepatitis In Children
Symptoms of the virus include stomach pain, fever, fatigue, and yellowing of the skin, according to WebMD.
“People who have eaten recalled products within the last 14 days should contact their local health department or health care provider to discuss getting a vaccine or antibody treatment to prevent illness, the CDC advises. Hepatitis A symptoms can take 2 to 7 weeks to appear and can last a few weeks to several months, although not everyone will have symptoms. In addition to nausea and yellowing of the skin, people may experience decreased appetite, upset stomach, vomiting, fever, darkened urine or lightened stools, joint pain, diarrhea, or fatigue.”
Trader Joe’s released a statement about the contaminated fruit and said the Fruit Blend product might be potentially contaminated, but no illnesses have been reported. Additionally, Costco members received a letter from the company addressing the contaminated food product and warned their customers to stop eating the strawberries and return them to Costco stores.
“Costco records indicate that you, or one of your add-on members, have purchased item #904984 Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberries 4lb. between July 16, 2022 and March 15, 2023. California Splendor, Inc., in cooperation with the FDA, is voluntarily recalling select lot codes of this product due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses. Although Hepatitis A has not been detected in this product, out of an abundance of caution, consumers should stop consuming the food and return it to their local Costco for a full refund.”
Aldi also removed the products from their shelves and offered refunds to customers.
“In cooperation with Scenic Fruit Company LLC, and out of an abundance of caution, ALDI is recalling Simply Nature Organic Strawberries from select stores in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin due to potential outbreak of Hepatitis A illness. According to the latest information we have, there are no reported illnesses related to the recalled product. No other ALDI products are affected by this recall. ALDI puts the safety and integrity of the products it sells first. If customers have a product affected by this recall, they are advised to discard it immediately or return it to their local store for a full refund.”