The FDA has reported that the strawberries were distributed under multiple brand names. Photo Credit: FDA
In the midst of an ongoing outbreak of Hepatitis A virus infections linked to frozen strawberries, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued further product recalls sold at major retail outlets including Walmart, Costco, and HEB in the U.S. Consumers are strongly advised not to consume the recalled Frozen Organic Strawberries.
Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion informed the Consortium on Wednesday that, according to the FDA, there have been no detected cases of the Hepatitis A outbreak in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The recall list includes the following products:
- Great Value Mixed Fruit 4-lb bags, Great Value Sliced Strawberries 4-lb bags, and Great Value Antioxidant Fruit Blend 2-lb bags sold at Walmart.
- Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend 48-oz. bags sold at Costco.
- Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio 3-lb bags sold at HEB stores.
- Wawona brand Organic DayBreak Blend 4-lb. bag sold by Wawona Frozen Foods, bearing "Use By" dates of 9/23/2023, 9/29/2023, 9/30/2023, and 10/18/2023.
Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries sold by California Splendor in specific states and lot codes.
Recalled brands from Scenic Fruit include Simply Nature, Vital Choice, Kirkland Signature, Made With, PCC Community Markets frozen organic strawberries, and Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend, with specific best-by dates.
On March 17, 2023, retailer Meijer also issued a voluntary recall of Made-With brand frozen organic strawberries from certain market store locations. The FDA notes that this is not an exhaustive list of products or stores, and investigations are ongoing.
Hepatitis A virus infection symptoms can manifest within 15 to 50 days of consuming contaminated food or drink. Signs include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool. In some cases, particularly children under six years old, the infection may be asymptomatic.
Consumers, restaurants, and retailers are urged not to sell, serve, or consume the recalled frozen strawberries. All recalled products should be disposed of immediately. Given the frozen strawberries have a shelf-life of 18 months to two years, consumers should check their freezers for any recalled items.
For consumers who have consumed the recalled berries in the last two weeks and haven't been vaccinated against hepatitis A, immediate consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial. Vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A virus infection if administered within 14 days of exposure.
The FDA’s ongoing investigation has traced the contamination to frozen organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico. The FDA continues to work with additional firms that may have received potentially contaminated products, ensuring their removal from the market.
Updates regarding the outbreak and product recalls will be released as more information becomes available.
