If you’re a fan of fruit smoothies, you might be in the habit of buying frozen produce to make sure you always have some on hand. If so, check your freezer. Several frozen berry products have been recalled for Hepatitis A contamination.
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The FDA issued a public health alert to warn consumers of the contamination of berry products manufactured by Townsend Farms Inc., sold in Kroger and Costco grocery stores. The Kroger products were distributed to all Kroger and Kroger-affiliate stores across the United States, including Fred Meyer, Ralphs and Fry’s locations. The recalled products sold in Kroger stores include:
• Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley (48 ounces), expiring July 7, 2020
• Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley (16 ounces), expiring June 19, 2020
• Private Selection Frozen Blackberries (16 ounces), expiring between June 19, 2020 and July 2, 2020
The recalled Costco products include their 4-pound bags of Kirkland Signature brand Three Berry Blend, with best-by dates between February 16, 2020, and May 4, 2020. They were sold in Costco stores in San Diego, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada.
If you find a recalled product in your freezer, dispose of it immediately. Symptoms of hepatitis A can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark-colored urine, joint pain and pale-colored stool.
Don’t let the recall stop you from eating berries — they’re loaded with vitamins, minerals and micronutrients that offer many health benefits. One of the most beneficial properties of berries is their potent antioxidant power, which helps keep free radicals in check and fights inflammation. The health benefits of berries include reduced neurodegenerative oxidative stress, improved cardiovascular function and a reduced risk of diabetes, cancer, macular degeneration and other health issues linked to inflammation.
Keep in mind berries do contain fructose, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. Limit your intake of fructose to 15 to 25 grams per day, depending on your current health status. Instead of buying frozen berries switch to fresh, organic berries. If you’re looking for other ways to use them instead of just mixing them in smoothies, check out some of our delicious berry recipes.