Frozen Blueberry Recall Linked To 12 Illnesses

Wawona Frozen Foods initiated a voluntary recall of its "Wawona Frozen Foods" brand frozen berries, specifically the "3 lb. bag of "Great Value" Frozen Strawberries" and "3 lb. bag of "Great Value" Frozen Mixed Berries," on March 15, 2024. This action was taken after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified a potential link between the product and a Hepatitis A outbreak. The recall covers products distributed in eight states: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The affected products were sold at Walmart stores. The FDA reported that as of the recall announcement, 12 individuals had become ill, with 6 requiring hospitalization, due to Hepatitis A infection. The agency noted that Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, and fever. Most people recover within a few weeks without specific treatment, but the infection can be severe. Consumers who have purchased the recalled frozen berries are advised to check their freezers and discard the product immediately. They should also wash their hands thoroughly after handling the product. Wawona Frozen Foods is cooperating with the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the source of the contamination. The company has stated that it is committed to ensuring the safety of its products and has implemented enhanced testing protocols. The specific lot codes for the recalled products are not detailed in the initial announcement, but consumers are urged to look for the "Great Value" brand frozen strawberries and mixed berries in 3 lb. bags. The company has not yet provided information on reimbursement or replacement for the recalled items.