The FDA and CDC are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A in frozen organic strawberries sold at Costco and Trader Joe’s after the virus was linked to a supplier with farms in Baja California, according to authorities.
The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a number of retailers under multiple brands and were imported from Mexico in 2022, according to the FDA.
The strain of hepatitis A is also “genetically identical” to the strain that in May 2022 caused an outbreak of hepatitis A infections in fresh, organic strawberries that were imported from Baja California farms, authorities said.
Some symptoms of hepatitis A infection are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice, according to experts. In some cases, the infection may be asymptomatic in children under six years of age.
According to data provided to the FDA by the CDC, 5 out of 5 people who provided information about what they were eating when they became ill reported eating frozen strawberries.
The FDA’s trace investigation then identified a common supplier of the frozen organic strawberries, according to the agency.
In response to the investigation, California Splendor, Inc. in San Diego voluntarily recalled 4-pound bags of Kirkland Signature frozen organic whole strawberries, the FDA said, adding that the affected bags were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii. and at two San Diego business centers.
Scenic Fruit Company in Gresham, Ore. also voluntarily recalled frozen organic strawberries sold nationwide to Costco and Trader Joe’s, according to authorities. Consumers should avoid 4-pound bags of Kirkland Signature Organic Frozen and Trader Joe’s 16-ounce Organic Tropical Fruit Mix.
Some symptoms of hepatitis A infection are fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and jaundice, according to experts. In some cases, the infection may be asymptomatic in children under six years of age.
According to data provided to the FDA by the CDC, 5 out of 5 people who provided information about what they were eating when they became ill reported eating frozen strawberries.
The FDA’s trace investigation then identified a common supplier of the frozen organic strawberries, according to the agency.
In response to the investigation, California Splendor, Inc. in San Diego voluntarily recalled 4-pound bags of Kirkland Signature frozen organic whole strawberries, the FDA said, adding that the affected bags were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii. and at two San Diego business centers.
Scenic Fruit Company in Gresham, Ore. also voluntarily recalled frozen organic strawberries sold nationwide to Costco and Trader Joe’s, according to authorities. Consumers should avoid 4-pound bags of Kirkland Signature Organic Frozen and Trader Joe’s 16-ounce Organic Tropical Fruit Mix.
Reach Joel Umanzor: joel.umanzor@hearst.com