RECALL ALERT: Hepatitis A Lurking in Your Frozen Fruit?

Few things feel as good as drinking an ice-cold smoothie on a warm summer’s day.  

And that’s why you keep your freezer stocked with frozen fruit this time of year.  

But if you’re using certain brands of this popular product, your health could be in serious trouble.  

Because a news release from the FDA shows that your frozen treats may be contaminated with Hepatitis A.  

Here’s how to find out if it’s lurking in your freezer.  

Hepatitis A is a contagious disease that may have major impacts on your liver and even lead to liver failure.  

And it’s been found in certain brands of frozen strawberries and other frozen fruit blends that contain strawberries, according to a recall alert issued by Willamette Valley Fruit Co. of Salem, Oregon. The company reports that the contaminated berries were grown in Mexico.  

Per the FDA release, the following brands and retailers are affected by the recall:  

• Walmart: Great Value Sliced Strawberries, Great Value Mixed Fruit, and Great Value Antioxidant Blend distributed to select Walmart stores in AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, and WY from January 24th, 2023 to June 8th, 2023. 
• Costco Wholesale Stores: Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend was distributed to Costco Wholesale stores in Colorado, Texas, California, and Arizona from October 3rd, 2022, and June 8th, 2023. 

• HEB: Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio was distributed to HEB stores in Texas from July 18th, 2022 to June 8th, 2023. 

Click here to see the lot numbers.  

Hepatitis A is spread to food through contact with fecal matter. This can happen when workers don’t properly wash their hands or if the fruit is exposed to water contaminated with sewage.  

The virus is not destroyed by freezing temperatures, meaning it can survive in your freezer for a long time.  

YIKES!  

This means you should take the time to thoroughly rinse ALL produce – frozen or fresh.  

If you have any of the above-listed products, DO NOT consume them. Instead, return them to the distributing store for a refund.  

Hepatitis A symptoms show up within 15 to 50 days of exposure, including fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine, and pale stool. Contact your doctor immediately if you’ve eaten one of these contaminated products.