The FDA is looking into two brands of organic strawberries, sold at many grocery stores, for a possible link to a Hepatitis A outbreak.
According to the FDA, the multistate outbreak has a potential link to organic strawberries branded as FreshKampo and HEB. The CDC, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency all are also investigating the outbreak.
The FreshKampo and HEB-branded organic strawberries were available at Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Weis Markets, and WinCo Foods stores nationwide.
The affected strawberries were purchased from March 5-April 25, past shelf life. However, consumers who bought the berries and froze them to later consume them are advised to dispose of them immediately.
“If you are unsure of what brand you purchased when you purchased your strawberries, or where you purchased them from prior to freezing them, the strawberries should be thrown away,” the FDA advised.
According to the CDC, hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable liver infection. It is a contagious infection with symptoms that can last up to two months. It includes fatigue, nausea, stomach discomfort, and jaundice. According to the FDA, it can cause liver failure and death in rare situations.
The FDA said 17 Hepatitis A cases have been reported as part of the outbreak, and 12 of them required hospitalization. California has 15 cases, Minnesota has one, and North Dakota has one.
The FDA also recommends that anyone who has eaten strawberries in the recent two weeks and has not received vaccinations against the virus consult with their health care provider.