The Food Safety 411
The FDA is currently investigating strawberries linked to a hepatitis A outbreak. Here’s everything you need to know, including signs that pediatricians recommend watching for if you’re concerned your child may have consumed contaminated strawberries.
Written by Jamie Kline
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: June 1, 2022
As if parents didn’t already have enough on their plates, the news of contaminated strawberries causing a hepatitis outbreak in the U.S. and Canada might make you want to hide under a blanket. However, it’s essential to understand what’s happening and why you likely don’t need to stress too much, even if your family has been enjoying strawberries recently.
What You Need to Know About the Recall
On May 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that fresh organic strawberries sold under the brands FreshKampo and HEB were potentially linked to a multistate hepatitis A outbreak across the U.S. and Canada. These strawberries would have been purchased in the U.S. between March 5 and April 25 at various grocery stores, including Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Trader Joe’s, and Walmart, among others.
Although the affected strawberries are no longer on store shelves due to their expiration, the FDA advises anyone who may have frozen these strawberries to dispose of them as a precaution. The agency is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health partners on both sides of the border, urging anyone uncertain about their strawberry stash to err on the side of caution.
So far, at least 17 cases of hepatitis A—12 in California, one in Minnesota, and one in North Dakota—have been linked to strawberry consumption. This outbreak has resulted in 12 hospitalizations, but thankfully, no deaths have been reported, with symptoms appearing between March 28 and April 30. Details regarding the ages or vaccination status of those affected remain unclear.
Understanding Hepatitis
Hepatitis, the infection at the center of this recall, has been making headlines recently due to a separate outbreak affecting children in the U.S. and other countries. Fortunately, a pediatrician has reassured parents that these two incidents are unrelated, and as long as you stay informed and adhere to health guidelines, there’s minimal cause for concern regarding your little ones.
To clarify, “hepatitis” simply refers to liver inflammation. According to Dr. Lisa Carter, an assistant professor of pediatrics, there are several types of hepatitis, including A, B, C, D, and E. The current situation involves hepatitis A, which is primarily caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Dr. James Smith, an internal medicine physician, notes that hepatitis A is “quite contagious” and can spread through contaminated food or beverages or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes), fatigue, nausea, and stomach pain, and can last for up to two months. However, most cases do not lead to prolonged illness.
Fortunately, hepatitis A is vaccine-preventable, so consulting your child’s pediatrician—especially if they haven’t received the vaccine—could be beneficial if you have any health concerns. It’s important to note that there is no correlation between the two outbreaks.
Next Steps for Parents
Dr. Carter supports the FDA’s recommendation to throw away any frozen strawberries if there’s any doubt about their safety. However, there’s no need to panic. “As a parent, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed,” she says. “While it’s crucial to take potential risks seriously, it’s equally important not to worry excessively. Just follow the guidelines from health authorities to keep your kids safe.”
Keep an eye out for hepatitis symptoms like jaundice, vomiting, fatigue, dark urine, and pale stools. These signs are generally noticeable and can be discussed with your pediatrician. Trusting your instincts and collaborating with your healthcare provider is key.
While it may be wise to pause on strawberries for now, you don’t have to eliminate berries entirely from your diet. Consider trying raspberries, which are a great source of potassium, beneficial for heart health. Goji berries are another excellent choice, packed with antioxidants that can improve skin health and help balance blood sugar levels.
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Summary
The FDA’s recent recall of strawberries linked to a hepatitis A outbreak has raised concerns for families. If you have frozen strawberries from the affected brands, it’s best to discard them. While the situation can be alarming, the risk can be managed by staying informed and keeping in touch with your healthcare provider. Taking a temporary break from strawberries is advisable, but there are plenty of other nutritious berries to enjoy.