Frozen Berries Package Sold at New Brunswick Costco Stores Recalled over Hepatitis Concerns

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall of Nature's Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend frozen berries due to possible Hepatitis A contamination. 

The frozen berry mix is sold exclusively at Costco Wholesale Canada locations in New Brunswick, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario.

The CFIA says the affected product was sold in 1.5 kg packages with best before dates up to and including Mar. 16, 2018 (UPC code 8 73668 00179 1).

Anyone who has the product is urged to throw it out, or return it to the location from which it was purchased.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says on its website that 12 cases of Hepatitis A have been linked to the product — nine in Ontario, two in Quebec, and one in Newfoundland and Labrador — with the individuals becoming sick in February and March of this year. It says three of the individuals were hospitalized.

The PHAC says Hepatitis A can cause inflammation of the liver, and sufferers can experience a wide range of symptoms including fever, low appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and jaundice.

It notes the symptoms are usually mild and last one or two weeks, however, in severe cases can last several months.

More information on the recall can be found here.