Scenic Fruit Company Recalls Frozen Fruit Products Sold at Costco


(MENAFN) The Scenic Fruit Company, an Oregon-based fruit processing company, is recalling some of its frozen fruit products sold at Costco, Trader Joe's, and a few other stores due to possible hepatitis A contamination, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday. The nationwide recall has been issued specifically for frozen organic strawberries sold at Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets, as well as for the Trader Joe's frozen organic tropical blend.

The FDA posted detailed information about the universal product codes, expiration dates, brand names, product names, and the states where the berries have been sold. The frozen strawberries may also be sold under brand names such as Kirkland, Simply Nature, Made With, and PCC Community Markets, the FDA said. While hepatitis A has not actually been detected on these products, the FDA is urging consumers to return the recalled items for a refund out of an abundance of caution.

According to the FDA, hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can be contracted 15 to 50 days after exposure, including from eating contaminated food. It can present in a mild illness that lasts for a few weeks, but it can also turn into a more severe illness that sticks around for several months. Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, pale stool, and abnormal liver tests. For consumers with pre-existing health conditions, a severe case of hepatitis A can lead to liver failure.

The Oregon-based Scenic Fruit Company has stopped producing and distributing the products while both the company and the FDA investigate. Trader Joe's said in a statement that no illnesses have been reported in connection with those products, and that it has removed them from store shelves and destroyed them.

The recall of frozen fruit products due to possible hepatitis A contamination highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring food safety and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. While the FDA and other agencies work to identify and address potential health risks in the food supply, consumers can protect themselves by carefully checking product labels and following recommended food safety guidelines.

Consumers who may have eaten the recalled products are encouraged to consult with a healthcare professional, who may recommend a vaccination. Those who already have hepatitis A symptoms are urged to contact their doctor or the local health department immediately. As the investigation into this recall continues, it is important for consumers to stay informed about potential health risks associated with the food they eat and take steps to protect themselves and their families.

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