Costco Recalls Frozen Strawberries Over Hepatitis A Concerns

In May of 2022, 27 people in North America became sick from organic strawberries contaminated with Hepatitis A. The strawberries, sold by a number of major retailers, were recalled, and though none of the affected strawberries were on store shelves at the time of the recall, people who'd purchased frozen strawberries while the Hepatitis A-affected lots were on sale were urged to discard them. The 2022 strawberry recall wasn't an isolated incident; in December of 2022, a recall was issued for frozen raspberries after Hepatitis A was detected in them, and now, another potential strawberry contamination is causing a recall.

Hepatitis A is a contagious disease, and a recent outbreak of the illness has prompted San Diego-based fruit processor California Splendor to issue a recall of its frozen organic strawberries, sold in 4-pound bags under the Kirkland Signature brand, out of an abundance of caution. Hepatitis A can range from a mild to a serious illness that persists for several months. Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, and dark urine, and for people with an existing illness or a compromised immune system, the disease can lead to liver failure.

The FDA's recall notice, which lists the affected lots, is dated March 16, 2023, and explains that the recalled strawberries were sold at Costco locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Hawaii. Thirteen lots in all have been recalled, and customers can look for the lot numbers on the back of the 4-pound package of Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Strawberries.

Though no Hepatitis A has been detected in the recalled strawberries, consumers who purchased strawberries from the affected lots should immediately stop consuming them and return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Anyone who has eaten strawberries from the recalled lots should consult with a healthcare provider or local health department to determine if vaccination for Hepatitis A may be warranted. Both the FDA and California Splendor are investigating the matter, and the company has ceased producing and distributing the strawberries during the investigation. Customers with questions are encouraged to email California Splendor at consumerinformation@calsplendor.com.