Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections: Recall of Frozen Strawberries (February 2023)
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections linked to frozen organic strawberries imported by a common supplier from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico. The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels.
Trader Joe’s is among the affected retailers. If you have purchased Organic Tropical Fruit Blend from Trader Joe’s with the following Best By dates: 04/25/24; 05/12/24; 05/23/24; 05/30/24; 06/07/24 they should be discarded.
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.
Illness usually occurs within 15 to 50 days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms of hepatitis A virus infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool. In some instances, particularly in children under the age of six, hepatitis A infection may be asymptomatic.
To read the full article, please visit FDA’s website at Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections: Frozen Strawberries (February 2023) | FDA.
