Frozen berries subject to recall due to Hepatitis A outbreak

The Porcupine Health Unit is advising members of the public that Costco’s Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend frozen berries have been recalled due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A.

The health unit asks that anyone with packages of the product should throw them out. People who ate this product in the last 14 days and who have not been vaccinated for Hepatitis A should get a Hepatitis A vaccination as soon as possible.

“We encourage anyone who ate the recalled product to monitor themselves for signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A and contact their health care provider if they have any concerns,” says Nathalie Roy, a public health nurse at the health unit.

Symptoms include fever, stomach pain, dark urine, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, clay or ash-coloured bowel movements and jaundice. According to Roy, the overall risk to members of the public is low.

“Most people with Hepatitis A recover on their own,” she says. “However, some people, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, can develop a more serious illness.”

The health unit will be providing free Hepatitis A vaccines. “Please call the health unit to speak to a nurse to see if a vaccine is recommended for you,” says Roy. She adds that the vaccine is most effective in preventing disease in anyone exposed when given within 14 days of consuming this product.

“Remember, proper handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus,” says Roy. “This is particularly important after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food.”

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to Hepatitis A, or have questions about the vaccine or this advisory, Roy says to call the health unit.

Hepatitis A is a virus that can cause a liver infection. The virus is rarely fatal and most people develop lifetime immunity following infection. Symptoms can last a few days to several months. Hepatitis A can be serious, however, especially for older people and those with chronic liver disease.

For these individuals, there is a greater risk of hospitalization and death.