Frozen Fruit Sold At RI Trader Joe’s Recalled Over Hepatitis-A Risk

RHODE ISLAND — A frozen tropical fruit blend sold at Trader Joe’s in Rhode Island and frozen strawberries sold at multiple U.S. grocery stores have been recalled after they were linked to an outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses, the Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

Oregon-based Scenic Fruit Company is recalling frozen organic strawberries sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC and Community Markets, as well as an organic tropical fruit blend sold to Trader Joe’s.

In Rhode Island, consumers are affected by the recall of the frozen tropical fruit blend sold at Trader Joe's stores in Providence and Warwick.

The full list of states where recalled products were sold is found on the FDA website.

The FDA emphasized the Hepatitis A virus has not been detected in the recalled products, and Scenic Fruit Co. has ceased their production and distribution during an investigation into what caused the problem. The agency did not say where people have gotten sick.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can be transmitted by exposure to the virus, including from food. Illnesses usually occur within 15 to 50 days after exposure, but are preventable by vaccine if given within two weeks of exposure through contaminated food, according to the FDA.

The agency advised anyone who may have eaten the recalled products to check with their health care provider or local health department to see if a vaccination is appropriate.

Anyone who shows symptoms — fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine, and pale stool — should contact their physician immediately, the FDA said.

Hepatitis A illnesses can range from mild cases that last only a few weeks to serious illnesses that last several months. In rare cases, particularly among people who have pre-existing severe illnesses or are immune compromised, Hepatitis A can result in liver failure.

Consumers who bought the affected products should return them to their local store for a refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at customer.service@scenicfruit.com.