Strawberry Hepatitis Recall: 5 Brands and Safety Steps

A major public health alert has emerged. Multiple frozen strawberry brands sold at major retailers have been recalled. This is due to hepatitis A contamination.

We are addressing a significant concern. Outbreaks linked to frozen and fresh organic strawberries have become a public health issue. In March 2023, a massive recall of frozen fruit was announced. It affected major supermarket chains.

The recall was initiated due to hepatitis A contamination. This virus can cause liver infection. We stress the importance of understanding the recall. Taking necessary safety steps is key to protect public health.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple frozen strawberry brands have been recalled due to hepatitis A contamination.
• Major retailers such as Walmart, Costco, and HEB are affected.
• Consumers are advised to immediately check their freezers for recalled products.
• The recall is linked to produce sourced in Baja California, Mexico.
• There have been confirmed illnesses and hospitalizations due to the outbreak.

The 2022-2023 Strawberries Hepatitis Outbreak Explained

A hepatitis A outbreak in 2022-2023 was linked to frozen strawberries. This caused recalls and health warnings. We will look into the outbreak’s details, including where it started, how big it was, and its health effects.

Origin and Scope of the Contamination

The contaminated strawberries came from farms in Baja California, Mexico. This area is famous for its farming. The berries were sent to many U.S. states.

The FDA found that the virus was type IA. This shows we need better food safety rules, even across borders.

Health Impact: Cases, Hospitalizations, and Affected States

The 2023 strawberry outbreak caused at least nine confirmed cases. Three people were hospitalized, but no one died. The cases were in three states.

The table below shows the health impact:

The same virus caused the outbreak. This highlights the need for better food safety and public health responses.

5 Brands of Recalled Strawberries You Should Know

There are five brands that have recalled their strawberry products because of hepatitis A concerns. These brands have acted quickly to protect public health by recalling their products voluntarily.

Great Value (Walmart) Products

Great Value, Walmart’s store brand, has recalled some frozen strawberry products. The recall includes Great Value Frozen Strawberries sold in many Walmart stores across the U.S. People are told to check their freezers and return these products for a refund.

The affected products were sold in various packaging sizes. The recall was made as a precaution to prevent hepatitis A infection.

Kirkland Signature (Costco) Frozen Strawberries

Kirkland Signature, Costco’s store brand, has also recalled its frozen strawberries. The recalled items are Kirkland Signature Frozen Strawberries sold in some Costco warehouses. Anyone who bought these products should discard them or return them to Costco for a full refund.

Rader Farms Organic Berry Products

Rader Farms has recalled its Organic Berry Trio and Fresh Start Smoothie Blend products. These products contain organic strawberries from various suppliers. People are advised to check the labels and return any recalled items to where they were bought.

Scenic Fruit Company Frozen Strawberries

Scenic Fruit Company has recalled its frozen strawberries. These were distributed to many retailers and wholesalers. The recall was made after the company learned of the possible hepatitis A contamination. People are advised to check their inventories and discard any affected products.

It’s important for consumers to know about these recalls and take steps to protect their health. By checking their freezers and discarding or returning the recalled products, they can greatly reduce the risk of hepatitis A infection.

Understanding Strawberries Hepatitis A Infection

The hepatitis A virus has been a big worry in the strawberry recall. It’s a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Knowing how it spreads and its symptoms is key.

What is Hepatitis A and How Does It Spread?

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection. It can spread through contaminated food or water. The virus spreads through poor hygiene or contaminated food handling.

Strawberries can be at risk if handled by someone with hepatitis A. Or if they’re washed with contaminated water.

Key factors that contribute to the spread of hepatitis A include:

• Consuming food handled by someone with hepatitis A
• Drinking contaminated water
• Eating produce washed with contaminated water

Knowing these risks is important. This is true for those who bought strawberries or strawberry products recalled for hepatitis A.

Symptoms to Watch For After Consuming Recalled Products

If you ate recalled strawberries or products, watch for hepatitis A symptoms. Symptoms can be mild or severe. They usually start 15 to 50 days after exposure.

Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

If you have these symptoms after eating recalled strawberries, see a doctor right away. Early treatment can help a lot.

By knowing about hepatitis A and its symptoms, you can protect yourself. And seek medical help if needed.

Essential Safety Steps to Protect Your Health

To avoid hepatitis A, it’s important to follow safety steps, mainly if you’ve eaten recalled strawberries. Check your freezer for items from brands like Great Value and Kirkland Signature. These were part of the recent recall.

If you’ve eaten berries that might be recalled, remember when you ate them. Then, talk to a healthcare provider. They can check your risk and suggest actions, like getting a hepatitis A vaccine.

Knowing how to prevent hepatitis A is vital. The FDA offers tips on safe farming practices to cut down on contamination in fresh produce.

By following these safety steps and staying updated, you can lower your chance of getting hepatitis A from recalled strawberries and other contaminated foods.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Evidence-Based Medical Insight. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-a/outbreaks/frozen-strawberries-2023/index.html