Multistate Outbreak of Hepatitis A Infections Linked to Frozen Organic Strawberries in 4 States

CDC, state public health and regulatory officials, and the FDA are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from farms in Baja, California, Mexico, by a common supplier. Frozen organic strawberries may be sold to various retailers under multiple brand labels. Traceback and epidemiological investigations show that people with outbreak-associated cases purchased the same frozen organic strawberries retail brand before becoming ill. As of July 18, 2023, a total of 10 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from 4 states (California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington). Of 10 people with available information, 4 (40%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. In response to this investigation, California Splendor, Inc. of San Diego, California, has recalled lots of 4-lb. bags of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries that were sold at Costco stores in Los Angeles, California; Hawaii; and two San Diego, California business centers. In response to this investigation, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon, recalled frozen organic strawberries sold to Costco, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in certain states.  @ https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/outbreaks/2023/hav-contaminated-food/index.htm#:~:text=10%20outbreak%2Dassociated%20cases%20of,No%20deaths%20have%20been%20reported.