Health Alert: Possible Hepatitis A Contaminated Frozen Berries Recalled from Costco and Kroger

Townsend Farms, Inc. recently announced a recall of frozen blackberries that may be linked to a Hepatitis A contamination. The frozen berry mixes were sold nationwide at retailers including Costco and Kroger. According to the FDA and CDC, there have been no reported illnesses due to this recall.

The Kroger recall came first and includes their Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley and Private Selection Frozen Blackberries. These products were also sold at Kroger affiliates including Ralph’s, Dillon’s, and Harris Teeter.

Recalled Kroger product codes include:

• Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley, 48 oz. (Best By: 07-07-20; UPC: 0001111079120)
• Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley, 16 oz. (Best By: 06-19-20; UPC: 0001111087808)
• Private Selection Frozen Blackberries, 16 oz. (Best By: 06-19-20, 07-02-20; UPC: 0001111087809)

Berries sold at Costco were added to the recall on June 11. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend was potentially affected by the contamination. Per Townsend Farms, these berries were only sold in California and Hawaii. The recall codes for this product can be found in the white box on the back of the 4-lb. bag and are as follows:

• FEB1620, (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), or (H)
• FEB1820, (A), (B), (C), or (D)
• FEB2920, (A), (B), (C), or (D)
• MAR0120, (A), (B), (C), or (D)
• APR1920, (B), (C), or (D)
• APR2020, (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), or (F)
• APR2720, (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), or (H)
• APR2820, (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), or (H)
• MAY0220, (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), or (H)
• MAY0420 (H)

The CDC urges those who purchased any of the recalled berries to discard them or return them to the store for a refund. The FDA recommends that consumers who have eaten the berries and haven’t previously received a Hepatitis A vaccination to contact their doctor or healthcare provider. According to the FDA, Hepatitis A virus can cause a liver infection that may not have apparent symptoms immediately. The virus can be spread through eating or drinking contaminated products and personal contact.

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