FDA issues update on outbreak of hepatitis A linked to strawberries
The Food and Drug Administration, along with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, state, and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections in the United States and Canada potentially linked to fresh organic strawberries. The potentially harmful strawberries are branded as FreshKampo and H-E-B, purchased between March 5, 2022, and April 25, 2022.
Epidemiologic and traceback data show that fresh organic strawberries sold under those brands during that time period are a likely cause of illness in this outbreak. The traceback investigations show that cases in California, Minnesota and Canada report having purchased fresh organic strawberries branded as FreshKampo or H-E-B before becoming ill. Illness onset dates range from March 28 to April 30.
Currently, the potentially affected FreshKampo and H-E-B products are past shelf life. People who purchased FreshKampo and H-E-B fresh organic strawberries between March 5 and April 25 and then froze those strawberries for later consumption should not eat them. These products were sold at the following retailers, including but not limited to:
- Aldi
- HEB
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
- Weis Markets
- WinCo Foods
Consumers who are unsure of what brand they purchased, when they purchased strawberries or where they purchased them from before freezing should throw the strawberries away.
As this investigation is ongoing, additional products may be included. More information will be provided in this advisory as it becomes available.
Recommendation
If consumers purchased fresh organic strawberries branded as FreshKampo or H-E-B between March 5 and April 25, ate those berries in the last two weeks and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult with their health care professional to determine whether postexposure prophylaxis is needed. Postexposure prophylaxis is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A infection do not require this treatment.
Consumers are urged to contact their health care provider if they think they may have symptoms of a hepatitis A infection after eating the varieties of fresh organic strawberries noted in this report, or if they believe that they have eaten these strawberries in the last two weeks.
Case Counts
- Total U.S. illnesses: 17
- Hospitalizations: 12
- Deaths: 0
- Last illness onset: April 30
- States with cases: 15 cases in California, 1 in Minnesota and 1 in North Dakota
- Product distribution: nationwide
