Frozen Fruit Is Being Pulled From Stores Like Costco & Trader Joe's Immediately Due To Hepatitis A Outbreak

An outbreak of Hepatitis A is causing major grocery stores across the US to recall frozen fruit. As People reports, Scenic Fruit Company has recalled its frozen organic strawberries from Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafoods and PCC Markets as well as its frozen organic tropical blend from Trader Joe’s.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared an announcement from the company on March 17th. A recent report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that there have been five documented cases of Hepatitis A, all in Washington state.

This resulted in two hospitalizations and no deaths have been reported. The report states that the outbreaks began sometime between November 24th and December 2022. All five patients noted that they ate frozen organic strawberries.

READ MORE: 9 Major Grocery Store Recalls You Need On Your Radar Right Now

Is Frozen Fruit Linked To The Outbreak?

The CDC claims that the frozen fruit are the “likely source of this outbreak.” The organization is currently advising anyone who purchased these products to avoid consuming the strawberries.

According to the CDC, Hepatitis A is a “contagious liver infection caused by the virus of the same name, with symptoms ranging in severity.” The company announcement states that the disease can be prevented with a vaccine if administered within two weeks of exposure to the contaminated food.

Scenic Food Company wrote in their announcement, “Although Hepatitis A has not been detected on this product, out of an abundance of caution, consumers should stop consuming the product and return it to their local store for a refund.”

READ MORE: Costco Just Confirmed They Will Raise Membership Prices—Say It Ain’t So!

What To Do If You Purchased These Products

The company also stressed that customers who might’ve consumed these strawberries should consult with a health professional “to determine if a vaccination is appropriate.” Those with symptoms of Hepatitis A are being urged to seek “immediate care from their local health department.”

Per the announcement, as People writes, Oregon-based Scenic Food Company recalled its frozen organic strawberries “sold to Simply Nature” from the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

The strawberries have also been recalled, the outlet notes, from Vital Choice, Kirkland Signature, Made With and PCC Community Markets from Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Illinois and Maryland. The company’s organic tropical fruit blend that contains pineapple, bananas, strawberries and mango have also been recalled from Trader Joe’s stores nationwide.

READ MORE: Customers Agree: These Are The ‘Worst’ Trader Joe’s Items ‘Nobody Should Be Buying’