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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 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, Scenic Fruit Company recalled its frozen organic strawberries from Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafoods and PCC Markets as well as its frozen organic tropical mix from Trader one. of Joe.
According to a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, 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 between November 24 and December last year, with all five patients reporting eating frozen organic strawberries.
The CDC says frozen fruit is the “likely source of this outbreak,” advising those who 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 of varying severity, according to the CDC. The disease can be prevented with a vaccine if given within two weeks of exposure to the contaminated food, the company’s announcement said.
Scenic Food Company wrote in its ad, “Although Hepatitis A has not been detected on this product, out of an abundance of caution, consumers should stop consuming the product and return it to their local store for a refund.”
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The company also said customers who may have consumed the product should consult a healthcare practitioner “to determine if vaccination is appropriate” and for those with symptoms of hepatitis A, seek immediate care from their department. local health.
According to the announcement, Oregon-based Scenic Food Company has recalled its frozen organic strawberries sold to Simply Nature in 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 in Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Illinois and Maryland.
Finally, the company’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend pineapple, bananas, strawberries and mango have been recalled from Trader Joe’s stores nationwide.