Oregon Recalls Frozen Fruit Amidst Hepatitis A Outbreak

In the wake of an ongoing outbreak of hepatitis A infections, Oregon-based Willamette Valley Fruit Co. has issued a recall for certain packages of frozen fruit sold at major retailers across the nation, including Walmart, Costco, and HEB. The recall follows similar actions taken by other companies, highlighting the growing concern over contaminated frozen fruit products.

The recall notice, posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), states that select packages of Great Value and Radar Farms frozen fruit, containing strawberries grown in Mexico, have the potential to be contaminated with hepatitis A. The FDA has been collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as other health and regulatory officials, to investigate the multi-state outbreak that originated in November 2022. The infections have been linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from specific farms in Baja California, Mexico.

So far, the outbreak has affected nine individuals across three states, resulting in three hospitalizations. Strikingly, the genetic makeup of the hepatitis A virus strain responsible for this outbreak is identical to the strain that caused a previous hepatitis A outbreak in 2022, which led to numerous hospitalizations.

While no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled frozen fruit, consumers are strongly advised to dispose of or return the affected products. The recall includes Great Value Sliced Strawberries, Great Value Mixed Fruit, and Great Value Antioxidant Blend packages distributed to select Walmart stores in over 30 states between January 24, 2023, and June 8, 2023. Additionally, Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend packages were distributed to Costco Wholesale stores in Colorado, Texas, California, and Arizona between October 3, 2022, and June 8, 2023. Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio packages were distributed to HEB stores in Texas between July 18, 2022, and June 8, 2023.

Authorities are working diligently to identify other potentially affected companies and products, as the contaminated strawberries may have been sold to various retailers under different brands.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease caused by exposure to the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms typically manifest between 15 and 50 days after consuming contaminated food or water. Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool. However, young children under the age of 6 may not display any symptoms. The infection can last from a few weeks to several months, and in rare cases, it can lead to liver failure, particularly in individuals with pre-existing severe illnesses or compromised immune systems.

As the investigation continues, health officials are urging consumers to remain vigilant and follow the recall guidelines to ensure their safety. The FDA and CDC are actively working to mitigate the risk and prevent further spread of the hepatitis A virus.