Hepatitis A cases linked to frozen berry mix sold at Kalispell Costco
Townsend Farms is recalling the Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berry mix that was sold at the Costco in Kalispell and other Costco stores across Montana. The product has been linked to at least 49 hepatitis A illnesses in seven states.
The Flathead City-County Health Department has worked closely with the Costco store in Kalispell to ensure that all products have been pulled from the store shelves. However, 327 units were sold at the Kalispell Costco between May 13th and May 31st. The Health Department and Costco are advising that those consumers who purchased the Townsend Farm frozen berry mix not eat any of it and to discard any of the unused products. Consumers that purchased the product may contact Costco for a refund.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can last from a few weeks up to several months. The disease can be contracted when an infected food handler prepares food without appropriate hand hygiene. Food already contaminated with hepatitis A can also cause outbreaks. Illness can occur within 15 to 50 following an exposure. Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), abnormal liver tests, dark urine, and pale stool. Although hepatitis A can cause severe illness, nearly all who become ill recover completely with no lasting liver disease.
Vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of an exposure. Those who have already been vaccinated are unlikely to become ill. Complete vaccination includes two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine administered at least 6 months apart. Anyone who consumed the product should consult with their healthcare provider or the Health Department to determine if vaccination is appropriate.
A full listing of affected products can be found on the Food and Drug Administration’s website at www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm354698.htm