*The US regulatory agencies have urged consumers against eating the affected berries, advising they be thrown away

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with both Canadian and US state and local food inspectors, are examining whether fresh organic strawberries may have caused a recent outbreak of hepatitis A infections.

绿帽献妻 gathered the agencies’ officials stated that the affected berries were produced by FreshKampo and HEB, and consumers would have purchased them between March 5 and April 25, 2022. Consumers who purchased FreshKampo and HEB strawberries and then, froze them for later consumption should throw away the products, advised the regulators.

If consumers are not sure when they purchased potentially affected strawberries or which brand they bought, then they should dispose of their products as well.

The strawberries were reportedly sold at the following retailers: Aldi, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe鈥檚, Walmart, Weis Markets, and WinCo Foods.

However, the FDA and CDC warn that the products may have also been sold at other grocery stores.

Agency report also said the investigation into the outbreak showed that cases occurred in California, Minnesota, and Canada.

To date, 17 people have reported that they became ill due to consuming the strawberries, and 12 have been hospitalised.

If consumers aren’t sure when they purchased potentially affected strawberries or which brand they bought, then they should throw away their products as well.

The strawberries were reportedly sold at the following retailers: Aldi, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe鈥檚, Walmart, Weis Markets, and WinCo Foods.

However, the FDA and CDC warned that the products may have also been sold at other grocery stores.

Guidance for those who have already eaten those strawberries

FDA and CDC officials say any consumer who has eaten the affected strawberries in the last two weeks and has not been vaccinated against Hepatitis A should immediately consult with a healthcare professional to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed.

鈥淧EP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to Hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a Hepatitis A infection if given within 14 days of exposure.

鈥淭hose with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous Hepatitis A infection do not require PEP,” the FDA聽 stated.

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