According to CBS News, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, along with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and local authorities, are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A in the U.S. and Canada.
There is a potential link between hepatitis A and organic strawberries labeled FreshKampo sold at HEB supermarket chain, purchased between March 5, 2022, and April 25, 2022.
FreshKampo strawberries suspected of causing hepatitis A in the U.S. and Canada – (Photo: ABC NEWS)
FreshKampo is a fruit and vegetable grower and distributor based in Mexico.
In the announcement, the FDA warned consumers that if they are uncertain about the brand of strawberries they purchased, they should discard those strawberries.
The FDA has received reports of 17 cases of hepatitis A in the U.S. since FreshKampo strawberries appeared on store shelves, and dozens of individuals have been hospitalized. Most cases have occurred in California, but the FDA has also reported cases of hepatitis A in Minnesota and North Dakota.
In Canada, 10 cases of hepatitis A and 4 hospitalizations have been reported in connection with the strawberries, according to the AP news agency.
According to the FDA, no deaths have been reported, and they stated that the organic strawberries under investigation “may be the cause of illness in this outbreak.” The FDA’s investigation is ongoing.
HEB supermarket chain has stated that they have not received or sold the investigated strawberries since April 16. The Texas-based grocery store asserts that their strawberries are safe but advises customers to discard any organic strawberries purchased between March 5 and April 25.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious but treatable virus. It infects the liver, causing inflammation and impaired liver function. Most people contract hepatitis A virus through contaminated food or water sources.
The FDA advises anyone who has consumed the contaminated strawberries to see a doctor immediately and receive the hepatitis vaccine.
