FDA investigation: fresh strawberries could be linked to Hepatitis A outbreak
The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is investigating a link between a hepatitis A outbreak and fresh organic strawberries.
The FDA with the US CDC, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and state and local partners, said the strawberries were branded as FreshKampo as well as HEB and purchased between March 5 and April 25.
Where did you purchase?
A number of retailers sold these strawberries, including Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, Safeway, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Weis Markets and WinCo Foods.
The potentially affected strawberries have exceeded their shelf life, but people who froze them to use later should not eat them.
If you do not remember where you purchased your strawberries, just discard them to be safe rather than sorry.
Seventeen hepatitis cases have been identified in California, Minnesota and North Dakota. Each of these cases have led to 12 hospitalizations. Traceback investigations show that cases in California, Minnesota and Canada reported having purchased the strawberries. An investigation continues into other organic produce products. People became ill between March 28 and April 30.
What do you need to look out for?
If you don’t know for sure if you already received a Hepatitis A vaccination, you think you have already consumed infected strawberries, and if you are now experiencing symptoms, the FDA recommends you consult your health care provider.
Hepatitis A symptoms typically appear 2-7 weeks after infection, and typically last less than two months. However, some people can be ill up to six months. Keep in mind that not all infected people become symptomatic.
Symptoms can include jaundice, lack of appetite, stomach pain or discomfort, vomiting, fever, light colored stools or dark urine, diarrhea, joint pain and lack of energy. Adults are far more likely than children to experience noticeable symptoms if they are infected.
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