🍓 Frozen strawberries supplied by farms in Mexico have been recalled 🍓 They are linked to five cases of hepatitis A, including two hospitalizations 🍓 The FDA says the berries could be sold in more stores than currently known
According to the FDA, frozen strawberries sold in grocery stores nationwide, including New Jersey, are being voluntarily recalled.
The recall alert issued Friday warns that frozen strawberries supplied by farms in Baja California, Mexico, have been linked to five cases of the hepatitis A virus. Two people have been hospitalized.
Consumers who purchased the recalled berries should return or discard them. If someone has eaten strawberries in the last two weeks and has not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should call their doctor.
Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend. (FDA/Canva)
Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend. (FDA/Canva)
Authorities said Scenic Fruit Company in Gresham, Oregon, voluntarily recalled frozen strawberries used in 16 oz bags of Trader Joe’s Organic Tropical Fruit Blend. The product is sold at Trader Joe’s stores nationwide, including New Jersey.
Only bags with expiry dates in 2024 are affected, including April 25 and May. May 12, 23, May 30 and June 7. No products with expiration dates in 2023 were impacted.
There are other brands selling the contaminated strawberries, including Costco’s Kirkland Signature, Simply Nature, and Made With. However, these recalled berries are not being distributed in New Jersey or its neighboring states.
The FDA is still investigating whether other products use frozen strawberries.
What to do in case of exposure to hepatitis A
If someone who is not vaccinated against hepatitis A is exposed to the virus, they should call their health care provider. A doctor may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP.
“PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus within the past two weeks because vaccination can prevent infection with the hepatitis A virus if given within 14 days. following exposure,” the FDA said. PEP is not required for a person who has already been vaccinated or who has already been infected with the virus.
Symptoms of hepatitis A usually appear between two weeks and 50 days of exposure. Children under six years of age may be asymptomatic.
Possible symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine and pale stools.
More FDA information is available here.
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Rick Rickman is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at [email protected]
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