Frozen Berry Mix Sold at Costco Recalled Over Possible Hepatitis A Contamination

There was a recall for a particular frozen beery mix issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, because of possible contamination of hepatitis A. The berry mix is exclusively sold at Costco. The Nature's Touch Organic Cherry Berry Blend 1.5 kg bags whose best-before dates were up to March 15, 2018 were recalled by the federal agency. These bags are sold at the store locations of Costco in Ontario, and New Brunswick, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia, and their UPC code (Universal Product Code) is 8 73668 00179 1. Even if the product doesn’t smell or look spoiled, people shouldn’t consume it. In case you have already purchased such product, return it to the store or just throw it out. In the recall notice, CFIA said there were reports of diseases related to this product’s consumption. This recall occurred after an investigation of a food-borne disease outburst related to the frozen fruit mix, according to the Canadian Public Health Agency. This agency (PHAC) reported that exactly 12 hepatitis A cases occurred in 3 provinces. One in Newfoundland and Labrador, two in Quebec, and nine in Ontario. PHAC reported on their website that all of these cases appeared in February and March this year. According to PHAC, some of the people who fell ill reported to have eaten this product, three of which have been hospitalized. CFIA says that there’s an ongoing investigation that may result in recall of other products. According to the recall notice, consuming hepatitis A contaminated food cause illness which doesn’t result in liver disease or chronic infection. The notice explains that the illness provoked by the contaminated food is mild and begins about 15 to 50 days after its consumption. Usually it disappears by itself within a week or two, but in some people it can even last up to 6 months. It can lead to inflammation of the liver, and some of the symptoms are:

• Low appetite
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or in the whites of the eyes)

Via CBC