Frozen Raspberries Are Being Recalled After The FDA Detected Hepatitis A

Just in time for holiday pie-making, one of the baking world's favorite berries has fallen prey to the Hepatitis A virus. The FDA has announced a recall of raspberries, but don't panic yet. It's thus far only for frozen versions from a specific international brand and a limited number of 10-pound cartons.

The FDA notice explains the potential health risk of consuming food, including berries, that has been exposed to the virus causing Hepatitis A, a contagious infection of the liver. In severe cases, people can experience symptoms for several months. It can cause liver failure, particularly in people with certain pre-existing conditions or autoimmune diseases. However, Healthline affirms that most cases of Hepatitis A are mild and resolve on their own with few, if any, long-term effects.

While children younger than 6 years old tend to be symptom-free after being infected by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), symptoms do commonly occur in older individuals. The FDA cites the possibility of experiencing jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, abnormal liver tests, pale stool, and urine that's darker than usual. The Mayo Clinic adds to the list of potential symptoms, noting low-grade fever, loss of appetite, intense itching, and sudden nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. To date, there have been no publicly reported illnesses tied to the recalled raspberries. Here's a more detailed look at the current frozen raspberry recall.

Raspberry recall information

According to the FDA, the recall is by Exportadora Compramar and covers 1,260 cases bearing 10-pound cartons of frozen raspberries branded by James Farms in Chile. The berries come packaged in two 5-pound bags per carton and have been distributed in nine U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey. Only Restaurant Depot/Jetro locations sell them, and they have been removed from all store locations.

If you've purchased James Farm frozen raspberries here's what to look for in determining whether your berries are recalled. First, check for the "Best if used by" date of June 14, 2024, then identify the UPC and Lot codes. The container declares "Product of Chile" and bears a mark on the carton top stating: UPC Code: 76069501010. On the carton bottom, you'll find: Lot Code – CO 22-165.

Contaminated products must be disposed of immediately, and anyone who has consumed the frozen raspberries should reach out to a health care provider. An infected person can spread Hepatitis A two weeks prior to showing any symptoms, according to Healthline. Transmission is possible through personal contact, so the illness could readily spread between people who live together. However, the vaccine can potentially prevent sickness if administered within two weeks of exposure, per the FDA. If symptoms are already present, the situation requires expedited care.

For more information, U.S. customers can contact Exportadora Compramar at 302-401-6474, extension 223, on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.