FDA Issues Nationwide Recall of Frozen Organic Strawberries Due to Possible Hepatitis A Contamination

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide recall for certain brands of frozen organic strawberries sold at Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe’s and other stores due to possible hepatitis A contamination.

Five people have been infected with hepatitis A after eating the frozen organic strawberries, which are sold under brand names such as Kirkland, Simply Nature, Made With and PCC Community Markets. The FDA has posted detailed information about the universal product codes, expiration dates, brand names, product names and the states where the berries have been sold.

The strain of hepatitis A causing the illnesses this year is genetically identical to the strain found in frozen strawberries from the Scenic Fruit Company, which were sold at Costco, Trader Joe’s and a handful of other stores. Investigators with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in all five of the cases, the sick individuals had eaten frozen strawberries sold by a common supplier.

The FDA is urging people not to eat, sell or serve the recalled frozen strawberries, and to check their freezers for any of the recalled products. Consumers who have purchased the recalled products should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice. People who have consumed the recalled products and are experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.