Foodborne Illnesses / Hepatitis A /

Townsend Farms organic frozen berries from Costco and Harris Teeter linked to hepatitis A outbreak

At least 162 people fell ill with hepatitis A infections after eating frozen mixed berries purchased from Costco stores in several states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. 71 people were hospitalized with hepatitis A infection.

Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries recalled for hepatitis A contamination

The product was sold at Costco warehouse stores under the product name Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend, 3 lb. bag and UPC 0 78414 404448. The recalled codes are located on the back of the package with the words “BEST BY”; followed by the code T012415 sequentially through T053115, followed by a letter. All of these letter designations are included in this recall for the lot codes listed above.

The product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores from April 19 until May 7, 2013, under the product name Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Berry Blend, 10 oz. bag and UPC 0 72036 70463 4, with Lot Codes of T041613E or T041613C and a “BEST BY” code of 101614.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC determined that pomegranate seeds imported form Turkey were the source of the hepatitis A outbreak and are restricting imports of pomegranate seeds due to the potential public health risk.

Symptoms of hepatitis A infection

Symptoms of hepatitis A infection appear anywhere from 2 to 7 weeks after exposure to the virus. Anyone who consumed the berries within the last 14 days should seek an immunization against hepatitis A. Anyone who consumed the berries more than 2 weeks ago should be on the look-out for an illness characterized by fatigue, muscle aches, headache, abdominal discomfort and fever. A few days after those symptoms appear, most people who contract hepatitis A experience jaundice, a yellowing on the skin and eyes.

In general, symptoms of hepatitis A infection last less than 2 months, but some people have a prolonged illness of up to 6 months. Relapse is not altogether uncommon.

In severe cases, hepatitis A infection can lead to liver failure.

Contact the Marler Clark Hepatitis A Attorneys

Marler Clark is actively pursuing claims on behalf of all people who became ill with hepatitis A infections after eating the Townsend Farms berries. The law firm has filed multiple lawsuits on behalf of people who contracted hepatitis A.

If you or a family member became ill with hepatitis A after consuming contaminated berries and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, you can contact the Marler Clark hepatitis A lawyers for a free case evaluation. Marler Clark is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of hepatitis A outbreaks and other foodborne illnesses. The law firm has represented hundreds of victims of hepatitis A outbreaks, and is the only firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.

You can fill out the contact form or call toll-free at 866-770-2032. There is no cost to you.

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