Hepatitis A Sickens 49 people in Western United States

Townsend Farms Inc. of Fairview, Oregon is recalling there frozen mixed berries because of potential contamination with Hepatitis A virus. The FDA and CDC have tracked the illnesses back to these berries. The mix contained cherries, pomegranates, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.     

The pomegranate seeds were processed in Turkey. They may be linked to an illness outbreak outside of the United States

Part of the product was sold at Costco under the name Townsend Farm Organic Antioxidant Blend in a 3 lb bag with the  UPC 0 78414 404448. The recalled codes are located on the back of the package with the words "BEST BY"; followed by the code T012415 sequentially through T053115, followed by a letter.

The product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores from April 19 until May 7, 2013, under the product name  with the  UPC 0 72036 70463 4. The correct "Lot" and "best by" codes are as follows: Lot Codes T041613E, T041613C and a "BEST BY" code of 101614. 

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the Hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Illness generally occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool. Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to a contaminated food. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre- existing severe illness or are immunocompromised, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure.

Persons who may have consumed affected product should consult with their health care professional or local health department to determine if a vaccination is appropriate, and consumers with symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their health care professionals or the local health department immediately. Consumers with the product should not consume the product. The product should be disposed of immediately. Please keep proof of product

These products were sold in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Hawaii, and California. The strain of hepatitis A virus implicated in this outbreak is rare in the United States, but more common in North Africa and the Middle East.

 Townsend Farms Customer Service Representative by phone or e-mail at 1-800-875-5291 .