Don’t Get Hepatitis From These Recalled Frozen Berries
You can never fully believe that fresh raspberries don’t hide the essence of mold before you bite into them, but a recent review should make you think about the frozen variety as well. Exportadora Copramar Ltda., a Chilean processing and shipping company, is voluntarily recalling more than a thousand cases of frozen James Farm raspberries due to potential hepatitis A contamination in the fruit, according to a US Food and Drug Administration report. (Food and Drug Administration).
FDA tests have revealed the presence of a contagious virus in the fruit that causes liver disease. An attack of hepatitis A can last from weeks to months and usually causes symptoms within 15 to 50 days of infection. Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine, and pale stools. Rarely, people with pre-existing severe disease or who are immunocompromised who contract hepatitis A develop liver failure. According to the FDA report, vaccination can prevent the disease if given within two weeks of exposure to the virus.
Which frozen raspberries have been recalled?
James Farm frozen raspberries have UPC number 76069501010 listed on the top of the box and lot code 22-165 listed on the bottom of the box. The raspberries are supplied in 10 lb boxes with James Farm branded on the box and a “Best before” date of June 14, 2024. Here is a picture of the box from the FDA. The recalled product is sold exclusively at Restaurant Depot and Jetro in the following states.
- New York
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Delaware
The affected item has been removed from Restaurant Depot and Jetro stores, and retailers are contacting customers affected by the recall. According to the FDA, there have been no official reports of the disease yet.
What to do if you think you have eaten an infected raspberry?
If you believe you have purchased recalled frozen raspberries, discard any remaining or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. If you think you may have consumed them, the FDA recommends that you check with your healthcare provider or local health department to see if vaccination is appropriate. If you have symptoms, contact them immediately.
For recall questions, contact Exportadora Compramar at 302-401-6474 ext. 223, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm EST.