Frozen Fruit From Costco Linked To Outbreak Of Hepatitis A

Health officials in Canada have traced an outbreak of Hepatitis A to Nature's Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend, a frozen fruit product sold exclusively at Costco. It is unclear whether the affected line was distributed in the United States.

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the products were sold at Costco stores in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. As of now, the agency has confirmed 12 cases of Hepatitis A, a viral liver disease that, in rare cases, can cause fatal liver failure.

For most victims, a Hepatitis A infection is relatively mild and lasts up to two weeks, but for some, the illness can last up to six months, the CFIA warns. Symptoms of contamination include liver inflammation, fever, low appetite, muscle aches, and jaundice.

The recall was issued on April 15 and applies to bags of Organic Berry Cherry Blend with best-before dates up to and including March 15, 2018. Customers with the affected products in their home are advised to dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase.