Hepatitis A cases possibly linked to organic strawberries

The FDA is looking into two brands of organic strawberries, that a variety of grocery stores sell, for a possible link to a Hepatitis A outbreak.

According to the FDA, organic strawberries branded as FreshKampo and HEB may link to the “multistate outbreak”. The CDC, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency all are likewise investigating the outbreak.

Fresh organic strawberries under the FreshKampo and HEB brands were available in Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Weis Markets, and also WinCo Foods stores nationwide.

The stores sold the strawberries in issue between March 5 and April 25. It is after their shelf life had expired. Consumers who purchased the berries and frozen them for later consumption have to discard them right away.

“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.

USA TODAY had contacted FreshKampo and HEB for comment.

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 reports that 17 instances of Hepatitis A as part of the outbreak. 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.

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