The Los Angeles County of Department of Public Health reported this morning that several brands of frozen strawberries, including some sold by Trader Joe’s, Costco, and other retailers, have been recalled after being linked to a case of hepatitis A in a larger multi-state outbreak. The strawberries came from farms in Baja California, Mexico, and were sold by a common supplier to several retailers, under brand names including Trader Joe’s, Kirkland Signature, Simply Nature, Vital Choice, Made With, and PCC Community Markets.
The FDA has recalled those brands, and stores are removing removing the suspect products. Customers who may have purchased frozen strawberries from these stores should check the Universal Product Code to determine whether the items are part of the recall (see links below). According to the LA County statement, “Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not sell, serve, or eat recalled frozen strawberries. These recalled products should be returned or thrown away.”
Further information from today’s statement from LA County Public Health:
If consumers purchased the recalled frozen organic strawberries and ate those berries in the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A virus infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A virus infection do not require PEP.
Symptoms of a hepatitis A virus infection include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dark urine. Contact your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms and you ate strawberries subject to the recall within the last 6 weeks.
The following suppliers and stores are taking actions:
California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California, has recalled certain lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and at two San Diego business centers. The lots of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries subject to this recall can be found at the following FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023. The website will be updated as additional lots are identified.
Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon is also recalling frozen organic strawberries sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC Community Markets and frozen organic tropical blend sold to Trader Joe’s. Information from the FDA about products subject to this recall are available at the following website: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/updated-scenic-fruit-company-recalls-frozen-organic-strawberries-and-frozen-organic-tropical-blend.
About Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is highly contagious and is transmitted from person-to-person through the fecal-oral route during close personal contact or through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Most adults with acute hepatitis A will have symptoms that may include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark colored urine, and jaundice. Symptoms generally last for less than 2 months although some may have prolonged or more severe illness. There is no specific antiviral therapy. Vaccination is the best way to prevent disease. In addition, infection can be prevented in close contacts of patients by vaccination or administration of immune globulin within 2-weeks of exposure.
