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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (March 22, 2023)
Page 2 March 22, 2023 Recall on Strawberries in Washington and Oregon Frozen strawberry products linked to hepatitis A cases in Washington Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham is recalling frozen "Organic Strawberries” sold at Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood and PCC Community Markets, and frozen “Organic Tropical Fruit Blend” sold at Trader Joe’s, due to an outbreak of hepatitis A illnesses. Five outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Wash- ington since March 13. The five cases occurred between November 11 and De- cember 27, 2022, and two individuals re- quired hospitalization. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion (CDC), everyone reported eating frozen organic strawberries. Although no patients with hepatitis A in Oregon have been definitively linked to the consumption of these products, Ore- gon Health Authority (OHA) officials are monitoring the outbreak in Washington. In addition, OHA is interviewing persons diagnosed with hepatitis A to determine if any have consumed frozen berries. “Since these products were available in Oregon stores, we want to let people know about them so they can take steps to protect themselves and their families,” Frozen strawberries recalled after finding link to illness outbreak. said Ann Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., a pub- lic health physician in OHA’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Sec- tion. “At this point, OHA is carefully investigating any new cases of hepatitis A virus to determine if they are associ- ated with the outbreak, but we have not yet been able to link any Oregon cases to these products.” 1 MONTH FREE! e) alu (a $28 v The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the company continues their investigation into what caused the problem. In addition, the company is removing all inventories of the affected lot from sale. “The company is voluntarily recalling the affected products and cooperating with Save BIG on your transportation costs! Get your first month FREE when you sign up for our reduced-fare transit card! Then enjoy unlimited rides on buses and trains for just $28 a month. Income requirements apply. trimet.org/save the FDA,” said Karel Smit, Oregon De- partment of Agriculture, Food Safety Pro- gram manager. “The purpose of the recall is to remove the products from commerce and prevent the public from consuming po- tentially affected products.” Although no hepatitis A virus has been found in the products, consumers should stop eating the product, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, or throw it away. Consumers with questions may contact the company at customer.ser- vice@scenicfruit.com. Thomas said, “People who believe they’ve gotten sick from consuming frozen strawberries purchased at Costco or Trader Joe’s should contact a health care provider.” Since 2014, Oregon has seen an aver- age of 20 cases a year, with 2020 having the highest number at 29. Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include jaundice (yel- lowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), tiredness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (frequent wa- tery bowel movements), dark urine, and light-colored bowel movements. The disease varies in severity, with mild cases lasting two weeks or less and more severe cases lasting four to six weeks or longer. Hepatitis A infection can result in hospitalization. Some individuals, espe- cially children, may not develop jaundice and may have a mild illness that can go unnoticed. However, even mildly ill peo- ple can be highly infectious. People with symptoms suggestive of hepatitis should consult a physician immediately, even if symptoms are mild.
