Frozen Strawberries outbreak investigation due to Hepatitis A (February 2023)

In collaboration with state and local partners, the FDA and CDC are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections linked to frozen organic strawberries imported by a common supplier from Baja, California, Mexico. The five illnesses cases were found in Washington State; two patients were hospitalized. California Splendor supplied the product to Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii and two San Diego business centers. Scenic Fruit supplied recalled products to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states and to Trader Joe’s nationwide. The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels. Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, all people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries. The strain of hepatitis A virus causing illnesses is genetically identical to the strain that caused the outbreak of hepatitis in 2022, which was linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico. In response to this investigation, California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California, has recalled 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii and at two San Diego business centers. Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon, has recalled frozen organic strawberries sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in certain states and to Trader Joe’s nationwide. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-infections-frozen-strawberries-february-2023?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery