A multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections is potentially linked to fresh organic strawberries with the brand names FreshKampo and HEB, purchased between March 5 and April 25, according to the FDA.
The case is being investigated by the FDA, CDC, Public Health Agency of Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency, state and local partners, according to an FDA announcement.
The potentially affected strawberry products are now past shelf life. Those who purchased the fresh organic FreshKampo and HEB strawberries between March 5 and April 25 and froze them for later consumption should not eat them, according to the FDA. They should be thrown away.
Retailers who sold these strawberries included Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Weis Markets and WinCo Foods.
According to the FDA, epidemiologic and traceback data show that fresh organic strawberries sold as FreshKampo and HEB brands that were purchased between March 5 and April 25 are a likely cause of illness in this outbreak. The traceback investigations show that cases in California, Minnesota and Canada report having purchased fresh organic strawberries branded as FreshKampo or HEB prior to becoming ill. Illness onset dates range from March 28 – April 30.
As this investigation is ongoing, additional products may be included.
For more information, visit https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-hepatitis-virus-strawberries-may-2022.