Public health officials said they are investigating outbreaks of hepatitis A in the United States and Canada that may be associated with organic strawberries.
U.S. health officials said the outbreak was most likely from fresh organic strawberries branded as Fresh Kampo and HEB purchased between March 5 and April 25.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, strawberries were sold in stores such as Ardi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, Wal-Mart and Weiss Market.
Strawberries are now out of shelf life, and health officials said those who bought between March 5 and April 25 should throw them away, even if they were frozen for later consumption.
In the United States FDA said We identified 17 cases of strawberry-related hepatitis A. There are 15 cases in California and 1 case each in Minnesota and North Dakota. Twelve people were hospitalized, officials said.
In Canada, health officials said they had Confirm 10 cases — 4 in Alberta and 6 in Saskatchewan. Four people are hospitalized in that country.
No strawberry-related deaths have been reported in the United States or Canada, according to officials from both countries.
Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that can cause liver disease. People who do not follow proper hand-washing hygiene can become infected when the food is consumed after handling it. FDA said..
Symptoms usually develop 15 to 20 days after eating contaminated food and include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale feces.
According to the FDA, anyone who may have been infected or ate contaminated strawberries in the last two weeks should consult their health care provider.
of statementThe Texas-based HEB said it has not received or sold organic strawberries from the suppliers under investigation since April 16.
“All strawberries sold at HEB are safe,” the company said. “Strawberry disease associated with the FDA’s investigation has not been reported in HEB or Texas.”
FreshKampo said it no longer ships fresh organic strawberries associated with outbreaks. Sold between March 5th and April 25th, it was offered in a plastic clamshell package labeled “Distributed by Meridian Fruits.” Said in a statement..
“Fresh Kampo knows to consumers that it will continue to work with health authorities and supply chain partners to determine where in the supply chain the problem may have occurred and to take the necessary steps to prevent recurrence. I want you to have it, “said the statement.
