The latest reports on food poisoning outbreaks has been sending a chilling alert to consumers who make their grocery shopping at Costco.
According to a series of news reports, government officials in one of our neighboring countries is alerting consumers that an ongoing Hepatitis A outbreak has been tied to frozen organic fruit products sold exclusively at Costco stores.
Impacted products include “Organic Berry Cherry Blend” bags produced by Nature’s Touch. According to Canadian health officials, the items, which have the “BEst Before”date of March 15, 2018 may have been contaminated with Hepatitis A.
While Costco hasn’t launched a recall campaign yet, consumers in America should be alert. If these items were sold in the United States, consumers may be exposed to the illness, which could be particularly concerning for consumers with weak, compromised immune systems.
According to officials, food items that have been contaminated with Hepatitis A may not present any different smell or look. That’s why consumers should stay alert to the potential risks.
In Canada, Costco is recalling Nature’s Touch brand Organic Berry Cherry Blend with the UPC code 8 73668 00179 1.
According to the local authorities, 12 people in Canada have fallen ill with Hepatitis A due to the exposure to the recalled fruit products. Consumers were allegedly exposed to the dangerous products in February and March of this year.
Consumers who fall ill after being exposed to Hepatitis A may suffer symptoms that are usually associated with other types of food poisoning-related illnesses such as fever and stomach cramps. Other symptoms associated with the illness include loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is called jaundice, dark urine, and fatigue.
Consumers exposed to this particular illness may experience the health effects for about one or two weeks, but severe cases can last several months.
Consumers are usually exposed to Hepatitis A by eating contaminated food or water or by coming in contact with the stool of an infected person.
While American consumers may not be exposed to any risks, consumers are urged to stay alert. If they learn about a recall campaign that impacts food products they have in their possession, they are being urged to heed the manufacturer’s recommendations immediately and stop consuming the recalled items.
For more on this Hepatitis A outbreak, follow this link to read more details.
