The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have launched an investigation into the possible link between several brands of organic strawberries to an outbreak of hepatitis A. The agencies said two brands may have potentially caused at least 17 cases of liver infections in three states.
The FDA said they are currently investigating two brands, FreshKampo and HEB, which were sold this year between March 5 and April 25 through several retailers in the U.S. and Canada. The agency warned consumers not to eat organic strawberries bought on those dates. While most consumers may have already thrown away their strawberries that have past their indicated shelf lives, the agency said it is concerned that some may have frozen some of the affected fruits for later consumption.
The CDC said that while hepatitis A is curable and not life-threatening, consumers still shouldn't take any risks as it could spread and cause severe illness in those with weaker immune systems. The agency warned that hepatitis A is "very contagious" and is easily spread through contaminated food and drinks. Symptoms of the disease can last for up to two months and those infected.
Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause serious liver disease. Those infected could experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pale, dark urine, and stool discoloration. In some cases, the symptoms may remain and become a chronic condition. In rare cases, the virus could cause significant liver damage, resulting in liver failure and death.
The FDA said that 15 of the 17 cases were detected in California, with one each in Minnesota and North Dakota. Twelve people have been admitted to hospitals, with the most recent case being on April 30. No one has died as a result of the outbreak so far. Separately, the CDC is investigating an outbreak of pediatric hepatitis. The agency said it had received at least 109 cases.
According to its initial investigation, the agency said the affected strawberries were sold at Aldi, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe's, Walmart, Weis Markets, and WinCo Foods, among other retailers. The FDA has advised anyone who is experiencing hepatitis A symptoms to contact their nearest health care provider immediately.
Consumers have been advised to throw away any strawberries they have if they are unsure of their brand or when they had purchased them. The FDA said anyone keeping older frozen strawberries should also throw them out.
