FDA recalls strawberries sold in Illinois, Missouri stores over Hep. A concerns

Strawberries sold nationwide are being sold because of potential hepatitis A contamination. (Getty)

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A Food and Drug Administration recall of frozen strawberries is being expanded. Many stores in Illinois and Missouri are among those that have recalled strawberries.

FDA officials said an investigation into an outbreak of hepatitis A on the West Coast linked the infections to organic strawberries imported from Mexico. These strawberries were distributed to stores in 32 states, including Illinois and Missouri.

Four companies whose strawberries may be contaminated have recalled selected products. At least two are said to have distributed contaminated strawberries to stores in Illinois, including in the following products and brands:

• Affordable four-pound bags of mixed fruit sold at Walmart with the following lot codes and “best by” dates:
  • Lot 4024205, best before 25 July 2024
  • Lot 4025305, best before 26 July 2024
  • Lot 4032305, best before 2 August 2024
  • Lot 4033305, best before 3 August 2024
  • Lot 4034305, best before 4 August 2024
  • Lot 4035305, best before 5 August 2024
• Value 4-pound bags of sliced ​​strawberries, sold at Walmart with the following lot codes and “best by” dates:
  • Lot 4018305, best before 19 July 2024
  • Lot 4019305, best before 20 July 2024
• Affordable 2-pound bags of Antioxidant Fruit Blend, sold at Walmart with the following lot code and “best by” date
  • Lot 4032305, best buy 2 August 2024
• Simply Nature 10 oz. bags of organic strawberries, sold at Costco and Aldi with the following UPC and “best by” date:
  • 4099100256222, best before 14 June 2024
• Made with 10 oz. bags of organic strawberries, sold at Costco and Aldi with the following UPC and “best by” date:
  • 814343021390, best by Nov. 20, 2024

The batch code is listed next to the “best before” date, and the UPC can be found next to or below the barcode.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is spread through close contact with infected individuals or by consuming contaminated food and drink.

Illness usually occurs within 15 to 50 days after eating contaminated food; symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine and pale stools.

So far, the hepatitis A outbreak on the West Coast has infected nine people and hospitalized three. People are advised not to eat the frozen strawberries listed above. They should be thrown away.