As of July 18, 2023, a total of 10 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from four states. Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 10/10 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.
● Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not sell, serve, or eat recalled frozen strawberries. These recalled products should be thrown away.
● These items were sold frozen and have a long shelf-life of 18 months to two years. Consumers should check their freezers for any recalled frozen strawberries. If you have recalled frozen strawberries in your freezer, throw them out.
● If consumers purchased the recalled frozen strawberries and ate those berries in the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A virus infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A virus infection do not require PEP.
● Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of a hepatitis A virus infection after eating these frozen strawberries, or if you believe that you have eaten these strawberries in the last two weeks.
As the voice of people affected by foodborne illness, we collaborate with partners in academia, the food industry, and government to prevent foodborne illness. We advocate for effective food safety policy and facilitate culture change to increase food safety.
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