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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 Friday by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 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 blend 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 “probable source of this outbreak” and advises those who have 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 varying in severity, according to CDC. The disease can be prevented with a vaccine if administered within two weeks of exposure to the contaminated food, the company announcement states.
Scenic Food Company wrote in their announcement, “Although Hepatitis A has not been found on this product, as a precaution, consumers should stop consuming the product and return it to their local retailer for a refund.”
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The company also stated that customers who may have consumed the product should consult a health professional “to determine if a vaccination is appropriate” and that people with hepatitis A symptoms should seek immediate help from their local health department.
According to the announcement, Oregon-based Scenic Food Company has 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 of Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Illinois and Maryland.
Finally, the company’s organic blend of tropical fruits, pineapple, bananas, strawberries and mango, has been recalled from Trader Joe’s stores across the country.
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