What Frozen Strawberries Were Recalled

Previous Updates – June 9, 2023 Based on traceback data gathered during the ongoing investigation of hepatitis A infections linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico; FDA has identified additional firms that may have received potentially contaminated product.

FDA has been working with these firms to ensure that any potentially contaminated product is removed from the market. On June 7, 2023, Wawona Frozen Foods of Clovis, California, initiated a voluntary recall of Wawona brand Organic DayBreak Blend 4-lb. bag with “Use By” dates of 9/23/2023, 9/29/2023, 9/30/2023 and 10/18/2023.

Additional distribution and lot code information is below. May 8, 2023 As of May 5, 2023, a total of 9 outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported from 3 states. Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 9/9 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.

1. April 24, 2023 Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 8/8 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.
2. April 11, 2023 The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A virus infections linked to frozen organic strawberries imported by a common supplier from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico.

The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a variety of retailers under multiple brand labels. Based on epidemiological data collected by CDC, 7/7 (100%) people who provided information about what they ate before becoming ill reported eating frozen organic strawberries.

Which frozen berries have been recalled?

See ways hepatitis A might have contaminated recalled frozen berries at Walmart, Costco A large producer of frozen fruit announced a recall this week for berries sold under the brand name Great Value at Walmart and the Rader Farms brand sold at Costco and HEB stores, according to a,

Willamette Valley Fruit based in Salem, Oregon, said it is voluntarily recalling select packages of frozen fruit containing strawberries grown in Mexico because of potential hepatitis A contamination. According to the, the hepatitis A virus is highly contagious and found in the stool and blood of people who are infected.

It is spread when someone unknowingly ingests the virus – even in microscopic amounts – through eating contaminated foods or drinks or through close personal contact with an infected person. Hepatitis A symptoms of can last up to two months and include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain and jaundice.

Which Strawberry are on recall?

Business | Frozen Strawberries Are Recalled After Hepatitis A Infections https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/14/business/fda-recalls-frozen-strawberries.html The F.D.A. urges checking freezers for the affected products sold at Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s and other retailers. Some of the frozen strawberry products included in a recent recall. Credit. Food and Drug Administration A voluntary recall of frozen strawberries has been expanded as the Food and Drug Administration has linked more retailers to a string of nine hepatitis A cases that date back to last year.

• On Monday, the Willamette Valley Fruit Company of Salem, Ore., announced the recall of frozen strawberries that are sold at Walmart, Costco, and HEB stores under the brand names Great Value at Walmart and Rader Farms Organic at Costco and HEB.
• Starting in November, nine people have been sickened in Washington State, California and Oregon, and three people have been hospitalized.

The last known cases began in April, the F.D.A. said. “Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not sell, serve, or eat recalled frozen strawberries,” the F.D.A. said Tuesday. “These recalled products should be thrown away.” The F.D.A. notes that the products are sold nationwide and have a long shelf life and urges consumers to check their freezers and dispose of any they find.

The affected products have so-called “best by” dates — the latest time they’re recommended for use — that range from Sept.23, 2023 to Nov.20, 2024. Specific best-by dates and lot codes identifying batches of affected products can be found at fda.gov. The F.D.A. investigation has traced hepatitis A infections to frozen organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico, and reported the first five cases of hepatitis A linked to them in March.

The strain of hepatitis A in those cases was genetically identical to one that caused an outbreak of hepatitis A infections in 2022, which was also linked to fresh organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico. In March, Wawona Frozen Foods, California Splendor and Scenic Fruit voluntarily recalled frozen strawberries that they sold under the brands Wawona, Kirkland Signature, Simply Nature, Vital Choice, Made With, PCC Community Markets and Trader Joe’s.

They were sold at Costco, Aldi, Meijer and other retailers. The F.D.A. said that people usually get sick from hepatitis A within 15 to 50 days after eating contaminated food. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine and pale stool. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged people who believe they have eaten these recalled frozen organic strawberries within the past two weeks and are not vaccinated against hepatitis A to contact their health care provider.

Preventive treatment, even after exposure, may help avoid illness.

Is it safe to eat frozen strawberries?

Plus, learn how to safely enjoy convenient frozen produce. Published on January 11, 2022 There are so many reasons to love frozen fruits and vegetables. They last longer than fresh produce, are more affordable and are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts,

• And in many cases, they can be more convenient to cook with.
• While many of us rely on frozen foods in our day-to-day, it can be a little less clear on how to safely prepare them.
• We dive into the science on how to safely enjoy convenient frozen produce.
• Getty Images / Nicholas Eveleigh So, should you be washing frozen fruits and vegetables? The answer: it depends on what it is.

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) clarifies that frozen fruit is safe and ready-to-eat straight from the package, no need to wash it. This is due to its higher levels of acidity and sugar, making it unlikely that harmful bacteria could grow on it at freezer temperatures.

Frozen vegetables, however, are lower in sugar and acidity, making them more susceptible to bacteria growth than fruits. The AFFI recommend that all frozen vegetables should always be cooked according to package instructions, If the package suggests to drain or rinse the vegetables, then they should be washed.

While there has been some controversy in the past about the food safety of frozen produce, the AFFI assures that frozen produce is highly safe and manufacturing facilities are held to high standards of cleanliness. Frozen fruits and berries are safe to consume raw, cooked or even frozen out of the bag.

What brand of frozen berries have Hepatitis A?

Stuff Four stores in the South Island sold the mixed berries on Saturday. Anyone who purchased Pams mixed frozen berries from some South Island stores on Saturday is being warned not to eat them, as the batch has been linked with Hepatitis A. Foodstuffs South Island is recalling frozen Mixed Berries from four stores in the South Island due to possible risk of hepatitis A associated with berries sourced from Serbia.

• Foodstuffs South Island Hornby Distribution Centre released 478 bags of the berries in error following the previous recall in October, New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle said.
• Most of the bags were identifed and removed, however six bags have already been sold and another four are unaccounted for.

READ MORE: * Frozen berry recall: How do you know you’ve got hepatitis A and how is it treated? * One new hepatitis A case in outbreak linked to frozen berries * Hepatitis A: Two more cases reported, nearly half hospitalised overall The best before date on the mixed berries was 14/08/2024 and the product was only available for sale on January 14.

Arbuckle urged anyone who bought frozen berries from New World Ashburton and Three Parks, Wanaka and Pak’nSave in Hornby and Wainoni in Christchurch to check their freezers. “Consumers, especially those with chronic liver damage, the elderly and pregnant people, should not eat frozen berries raw. Bringing them to the boil will make them safe to eat, or they can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.” RICKY WILSON/STUFF Stuff senior health reporter Hannah Martin explains hepatitis A and the outbreak linked to imported frozen berries.

If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116. The recall affects:

Pams brand Mixed Berries (500g) with a Best Before of 14/08/2024

The product was potentially available in the following South Island stores:

Ashburton New World Hornby Pak’nSave Three Parks New World, Wanaka Wainoni Pak’nSave, Christchurch

There have been 35 total cases of hepatitis A since the outbreak began in September.

Are frozen berries safe to eat now?

Making berries safe to eat – You can make frozen berries safe to eat by either:

bringing them to the boil, or cooking them at a temperature over 85°C for at least 1 minute.

Washing frozen berries will not remove the risk. Most viruses and bacteria found on frozen berries can survive freezing. They also can survive freeze-drying, and heat treatments of less than 85 degrees Celsius. Frozen berries that have been heat-treated can be cooled rapidly and refrozen for subsequent use.

What foodstuff Berry was recalled?

4 October 2022: Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling all batches and all dates of its Pams brand Mixed Berries, Two Berry Mix, Smoothie Berry Mix, and Raspberries as a precaution due to a possible link of Hepatitis A associated with frozen berries sourced from Serbia.

What are the symptoms of strawberries hepatitis?

Fatigue, fever, headache, malaise, joint pain, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, clay colored stool, or dark urine. Clinical jaundice may be a late sign or may never develop, particularly in children.70% of older children and adults develop symptoms including jaundice.

Should you buy frozen strawberries?

Why should I buy frozen fruits and vegetables? – Have A Plant Frozen fruits and vegetables can offer many advantages: Nutrition Frozen fruits and vegetables have the same nutritional value as when they were picked at peak freshness. In fact, studies show frozen fruits and vegetables are as rich in nutrients as their fresh-stored counterparts.

1. Those nutrients locked in place until they’re on your plate.
2. Variety Today’s frozen food aisle offers a more diverse selection of ingredients, side dishes and entrees than ever before.
3. From smoothie bowls to grain bowls and everything in between, the frozen food aisle accentuates culinary trends and, in some cases, starts the culinary adventure.

There are a variety of ways for you to get your servings of fruits and vegetables. Convenience A key benefit of frozen produce is you can portion the amount you want and leave the rest for later. Frozen produce is also pre-cleaned and pre-chopped, allowing for more quality time around the table.

Better yet, clear cooking or preparation instructions on the package tell you exactly how to cook or prepare your frozen produce. Having your favorite ingredients just a freezer door away also gives you the freedom to get creative with your meals. Reduce Food Waste Have your produce and eat it too! Did you know that frozen food generates 47% less food waste when compared to ambient and chilled food consumed in the home? By only preparing what you plan to consume, not only do you eat more of your produce, you ensure it lasts.

To learn more, visit, : Why should I buy frozen fruits and vegetables? – Have A Plant

Is it better to buy frozen strawberries?

Are Frozen Berries Healthier Then Fresh? In addition to being a delicious part of any diet, berries have long been considered super foods that are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants. Berries are often available both frozen and fresh, but few consumers realize that frozen berries are often the healthier choice.

Many people erroneously believe that “fresh is best”, but when it comes to berries, the frozen varieties have a higher concentration of nutritional elements, and are often spared from the large amounts of pesticides that are used on fresh berries found in a supermarket. Numerous studies have found that frozen berries contain the same nutritional elements as fresh berries that have just been harvested.

However, this does not mean that “fresh” berries found in the produce section of a grocery store are a better choice than frozen berries. Unlike the berries cited in these studies, the fresh berries that are readily available to consumers when in season are already days past harvest by the time they arrive at the market, since most berries endure several days of travel to make it to their final destination.

As each day passes, the berries slowly lose the nutrients that were so concentrated when they were picked. In comparison, are almost always flash frozen the same day that they are harvested, preserving the natural nutrients and antioxidants that are present at the peak of freshness. According to studies conducted by John Hopkins University, the process of freezing just harvested berries results in berries that maintain their optimal nutrition levels for months at a time, making it possible to easily incorporate these super foods into a diet just by opening the freezer.

Like many crops, commercially grown berries are often exposed to a number of pesticides. In most cases, commercial farms specialize in either growing berries that will be sold fresh or sold frozen. In some instances, farms will grow both, but the crops are designated and grown separately from each other.

Berries that are grown with the intention of being frozen are exposed to a significantly lower amount of pesticides than their counterparts that are sent to the grocery store fresh. The reason for this is that fresh berries must maintain a good appearance for days, or even a week or more, as they are transported and then sold to consumers.

This requires large amounts of pesticides and sprays to be administered before and after harvest. Thus, the berries that end up frozen have much lower levels of pesticide and crop spray exposure and residue. To display this dramatic difference between fresh and frozen we have taken data from the USDA pesticide testing program.

The USDA data shows 52 different pesticide residues on a fresh blueberry vs. only 21 on a frozen blueberry. Although we at advocate eating wild or organic berries as much as possible, it’s clear when not available, frozen berries are the best choice for maintaining optimal health. Frozen berries are available year round, and are usually less expensive than their “fresh” counterparts.

Combine that with the fact that frozen berries contain the same nutrients as freshly harvested berries, and maintain those nutrients for months or years while being stored in the freezer, and it is easy to see why purchasing frozen berries is a good idea.

Sources Ann Marie Connor, James J. Luby, James F. Hancock, Steven Berkheimer, and Eric J. Hanson, “Changes In Fruit Antioxidant Activity Among Blueberry Cultivars During Cold-Temperature Storage,” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol.50, no.4, pp.893-898, 2002. Virachnee Lohachoompol, George Srzednicki, and John Craske, “The Change of Total Anthocyanins in Blueberries and Their Antioxidant Effect After Drying and Freezing,” Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, vol.2004, no.5, pp.248-252, 2004.

Mariana-Atena Poiana,Diana Moigradean, Diana Raba, Liana-Maria Alda and Mirela Popa, “The Effect of Long-Term Frozen Storage on the Nutraceutical Compounds, Antioxidant Properties and Color Indices of Different Kinds of Berries,” Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, vol.8, no.1, pp.54-58, 2010.

What brands of strawberries have hepatitis A?

Product – Willamette Valley Fruit Recall :

Great Value Mixed Fruit 4-lb bags, Great Value Sliced Strawberries 4-lb bags, and Great Value Antioxidant Fruit Blend 2-lb bags sold at Walmart. Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend 48-oz. bags sold at Costco. Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio 3-lb bags sold at HEB stores.

Wawona Frozen Foods Recall : Wawona brand Organic DayBreak Blend 4-lb. bag with “Use By” dates of 9/23/2023, 9/29/2023, 9/30/2023 and 10/18/2023. California Splendor Recall : Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries in certain states with specific lot codes.

Should you wash frozen berries before eating?

Do You Need to Wash Frozen Fruits and Vegetables? There are so many reasons to love frozen fruits and vegetables. They last longer than fresh produce, are more affordable and are. And in many cases, they can be more convenient to cook with. While many of us rely on frozen foods in our day-to-day, it can be a little less clear on how to safely prepare them.

We dive into the science on how to safely enjoy convenient frozen produce. Related: A stack of frozen fruits and veggies on a designed background Getty Images / Nicholas Eveleigh So, should you be washing frozen fruits and vegetables? The answer: it depends on what it is. The (AFFI) clarifies that frozen fruit is safe and ready-to-eat straight from the package, no need to wash it.

This is due to its higher levels of acidity and sugar, making it unlikely that harmful bacteria could grow on it at freezer temperatures. Frozen vegetables, however, are lower in sugar and acidity, making them more susceptible to bacteria growth than fruits.

1. The AFFI recommend that all frozen vegetables should always be cooked according to package instructions,
2. If the package suggests to drain or rinse the vegetables, then they should be washed.
3. While there has been some about the food safety of frozen produce, the AFFI assures that frozen produce is highly safe and manufacturing facilities are held to high standards of cleanliness.

Frozen fruits and berries are safe to consume raw, cooked or even frozen out of the bag. However, frozen vegetables should always be cooked before consumption to minimize any foodborne illness risk. Luckily for us, there are several ways to, For more, check out some of our,

Are frozen berries already washed?

Tips on how to buy, store and handle your BC blueberries How to Buy Fresh Blueberries

Look for firm, plump, dry berries with smooth skins. The silvery sheen on blueberries is natural and helps protect the fruit. Avoid soft or shriveled fruit, or any signs of mould. Size is not an indicator of flavour or sweetness, but colour is! Reddish berries aren’t quite ripe and will taste tart—use them in baking and cooking.

How to Store Blueberries

Refrigerate as soon as you get them home, in their original plastic pack or in a covered bowl or storage container. Only rinse your berries just before you’re going to use them. Use within 10 days of purchase. To freeze your blueberries, make sure they’re dry and keep them in their original plastic clamshell, or put them in resealable plastic bags or containers – no need to wash them prior to freezing. Just remember to rinse the berries before using them. Commercially frozen blueberries have been washed—use them directly from the bag. Refrigerate thawed blueberries and use within 3 days. Use any frozen blueberries within one year of purchase.

How to Enjoy Blueberries Every Day

Stir fresh or frozen blueberries into maple syrup; warm in the microwave and serve on waffles, pancakes or desserts. Start with your favourite chicken salad and mix in fresh or dried blueberries. Scatter fresh or dried blueberries and toasted walnut pieces over dressed mixed greens. Place fresh or frozen blueberries in ice cube trays; cover with apple juice and freeze; add the frozen cubes to lemonade, iced tea or club soda.

Are frozen berries washed before frozen?

Before the proverbial ink was dry on my listeria and lettuce blog, yet another scary headline emerged that appeared to question the safety of eating frozen produce. I am beginning to think there is a conspiracy in the media to discourage people from eating fruits and vegetables.

And as a registered dietitian this is disappointing as my colleagues and I are doing everything we can to encourage folks to eat more produce. That’s because only one in 10 people in the U.S. consumes the recommended daily servings of fruits and veggies. Packed with nutrition, I promote all forms of fruits and vegetables to make it easy for people to eat more: fresh, frozen, canned, dried and juice.

First, let me share all the reasons I love frozen fruit. Frozen food manufacturers are very diligent in making sure fruit is safely processed and packaged to prevent foodborne illnesses. Frozen fruit is thoroughly cleaned, washed and flash frozen within hours of being harvested.

1. Once frozen, no bacteria can grow but, contrary to popular belief, freezing does not kill bacteria or viruses.
2. That’s why so much care is taken to clean the fruit well before it is frozen, just like we wash fresh fruit at home that is purchased at a supermarket or farmers’ market.
3. So back to the scary headlines.

Last week the Washington Post reported on a new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) program that is testing frozen berries for hepatitis A virus and norovirus. According to the FDA website, in 2019 and 2020, the agency will collect and test samples of U.S.

• Grown and imported frozen packaged strawberries, raspberries and blackberries from processors, distribution centers, warehouses and supermarkets.
• If they find hepatitis A virus or norovirus, FDA will notify and work with the company to take action to protect the public health, such as issuing public warnings or instituting a product recall.

(1) The Post article stated that since the inspections began in May, FDA has recalled one brand of a frozen blackberry product and one of a blended berry product that were found to contain parts of the hepatitis A virus. While the FDA advised consumers not to eat and to throw away the specific berry products identified, they noted that no cases of hepatitis A had been linked to them.

• 2) Why would berries contain viruses or bacteria? They may become contaminated if handled by an infected worker who does not wash his or her hands properly or if the berries are exposed to a contaminated surface or agricultural water.
• As I mentioned earlier, bacteria, viruses and microorganisms can survive at low temperatures, including freezing.

That’s why the industry is so diligent in its food safety practices. Foodborne illness is a serious issue so we are very fortunate in the U.S. to have government agencies like the FDA, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who are vigilant in setting standards and monitoring the safety of our food so that we have the safest food supply in the world.

1. The Post article also quotes Dr. Donald W.
2. Schaffner a food science professor at Rutgers University who states that FDA tests for the DNA of the two viruses and the recall do not mean the berries contained the whole, live hepatitis A virus that causes illness.
3. He goes on to say that he is not changing his berry eating habits as a result of this report because they are “safe, healthy foods” and “We want people to eat more fruit and vegetables.” And the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics agrees.

An article on their website by registered dietitian nutritionist Esther Ellis says, “Frozen foods are an affordable way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. In fact, families who incorporate frozen foods into their normal routine may have better diet quality.”

What berries got recalled?

4 October 2022: Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling all batches and all dates of its Pams brand Mixed Berries, Two Berry Mix, Smoothie Berry Mix, and Raspberries as a precaution due to a possible link of Hepatitis A associated with frozen berries sourced from Serbia.

Which frozen raspberries were recalled?

Illnesses prompt recall of frozen raspberries

Alasko	IQF Whole Raspberries	6 95058 00205 4
Alasko	IQF Whole Raspberries	1 069505 800205 1
Alasko	IQF Antioxidant Blend	6 95058 27150 4
Alasko	IQF Antioxidant Blend	1 069505 827150 1

What brand of blueberries are being recalled?

URGENT: Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Natierra Organic Freeze- Dried Blueberry (lot # 2021363-1 & 2022026-1) Due to levels of Lead.