Multistate Outbreak of Hepatitis A Linked to Frozen Berry Mix

FAIRVIEW, Ore. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating an outbreak of Hepatitis A that has affected 118 people throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Washington, as of June 18, 2013.

The outbreak is linked to Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berry and pomegranate mix, according to CDC. Townsend Farms announced a voluntary recall of certain lots of the product due to potential contamination with hepatitis A virus.

Townsend said it implemented the recall after learning that pomegranate seeds processed in Turkey, used in Organic Antioxidant Blend, may be linked to the illness outbreak. 

Investigation by state and local health departments, FDA, and CDC is ongoing. Costco notified its members who purchased this product since late February 2013, and has removed the “Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend” frozen berry and pomegranate mix from its shelves, CDC said.

(CDC | Townsend Farms)