Costco Mixed Berries Possibly Linked to Hepatitis A

UPDATE: Tuesday, June 4, 9:30 a.m.
The warning involves a bag of mixed berries, including blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.

UPDATE: Saturday, June 1, 1:30 p.m.

Orange County health officials urged people with questions or concerns to call them for possible appointments. Deanne Thompson of the Orange County Health Care Agency can be reached at (714) 720-1463.

Original story:

Organic frozen mixed berries sold at Costco may be hazardous to your health, warns the California Department of Public Health. The product in question is a bag of blended fruits, including blueberries, cherries, raspberries, strawberries and pomegranates.

Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend "may be linked to a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections," the CDPH said in a statement.

One Orange County resident has been confirmed sick, along with five others in California. Three of the victims have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.

"People who have bought this product should discard it if still found in their home," said Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH director and state health officer. "Anyone who has consumed this specific product in the last 14 days should contact their doctor to discuss possible hepatitis A prevention and treatment options."

Costco has removed the berries from store shelves and is warning customers, according to the CDPH.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A develop two to six weeks after consuming tainted food, and include:

• fever
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• dark urine
• clay-colored bowel movements
• joint pain
• jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  

"It is very important that if you have symptoms like this you do not go to work, especially if you work in food service, health care or child care," the CDPH said.