SALEM, OR – Willamette Valley Fruit Co, based in Salem, Oregon, has issued a voluntary recall for certain packages of frozen fruit containing strawberries grown in Mexico. The recall is due to the potential contamination of Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus, which can be transmitted through contaminated food.
Symptoms of the illness include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool. In severe cases, Hepatitis A infection can lead to liver failure. The incubation period for the virus is between 15 to 50 days.
The affected products were distributed through various retailers, including Walmart, Costco Wholesale Stores, and HEB. Walmart stores in 31 states, including Arkansas, California, Texas, Illinois, and New York, received the recalled products, such as Great Value Sliced Strawberries, Great Value Mixed Fruit, and Great Value Antioxidant Blend, between January 24th and June 8th, 2023.
Costco Wholesale Stores in Colorado, Texas, California, and Arizona distributed the Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend from October 3rd, 2022, to June 8th, 2023. Meanwhile, HEB stores in Texas sold the Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio between July 18th, 2022, and June 8th, 2023.
To date, no illnesses associated with the recalled products have been reported.
Consumers who may have purchased the affected items are advised to consult with their healthcare professionals or local health departments to determine if a vaccination is necessary. If any symptoms of Hepatitis A are experienced, individuals should contact their healthcare providers or local health departments immediately.
The recalled products from Walmart include Great Value Sliced Strawberries in a 64oz (4lb) plastic bag with codes 4018305 and 4019305, both with best-by dates in July 2024. Great Value Mixed Fruit, packaged in a 64oz (4lb) plastic bag, has codes 4024205, 4025305, and 4032305, with best-by dates ranging from July to August 2024. Great Value Antioxidant Fruit Blend, available in a 40oz (2lb 8oz) plastic bag, carries the code 4032305 with an expiration date in August 2024.
The Rader Farms Fresh Start Smoothie Blend, sold at Costco Wholesale Stores, comes in a 48oz (1.36kg) plastic bag with various codes and best-by dates from February to August 2024.
HEB’s Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio, packaged in a 3lb (1.36kg) plastic bag, has codes 4153205, 4283202, and 4284202, with best-by dates ranging from December 2023 to April 2024.
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are advised not to consume them. The items should either be discarded or returned to the store of purchase for a refund. Products with different lot codes or purchase dates are not subject to the recall.
Willamette Valley Fruit Co. is working closely with federal health officials and distributors to ensure that consumers are aware of the recall. For more information, consumers can contact Willamette Valley Fruit Co. at 800-518-9865, Monday through Friday, between 8am and 5pm PST.
It is crucial for consumers to check their freezers for the recalled products and take appropriate action to safeguard their health. Hepatitis A is a serious illness, and this recall serves as a precautionary measure to protect consumers from potential contamination.
