Understanding the Recent Recall of Great Value Strawberries
Frozen strawberries including the prominent great value brand have come under scrutiny recently due to potential hepatitis A contamination across numerous lots. This has prompted many questions and concerns among consumers who regularly enjoy this convenient fruit.
Which Frozen Strawberry Brands are Involved?
The original recall centered around FreshKampo and HEB products. However further testing detected traces of hepatitis A in bags of:
- Great Value sliced strawberries (16 ounce bags)
- Radar Farms organic sliced strawberries (16 ounce bags)
All affected frozen strawberries were harvested and packed by Harmony Gardens a facility in Mexico specializing in processing fruit for export to the United States.
Lot Codes of Impacted Great Value Strawberries
The Strawberry recall applies specifically to 16 ounce Great Value branded bags with a best by date between April 26, 2024 to April 29 2024. Additionally the F or G code printed on the top right corner of the packaging falls under the recall.
The numbers below indicate which Great Value lots are being pulled from Walmart shelves:
- F or G followed by numbers 0127 or 0114
- F or G followed by numbers 0917
- F or G followed by numbers 1127 or 1114
Checking your leftover bags of strawberries carefully ensures you dont unknowingly consume contaminated fruit putting you at risk of hepatitis infection.
Hepatitis A Risks and Symptoms
Understanding exactly what hepatitis entails and the consequences if infected empowers consumers to protect themselves in light of the current strawberry recall situation.
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A represents inflammation of the liver caused by exposure to contaminants from infected feces. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is extremely hardy, potentially living for months under the right conditions.
Eating produce like berries or leafy greens carrying traces of infected fecal matter provides a prime transmission route for hepatitis. Freezing fortunately reduces but does not eliminate HAV potency.
Who is Most at Risk?
Those with already compromised immune systems face highest chances of developing hepatitis after contact with the virus. Individuals with liver conditions or taking medication weakening liver function also have elevated risk profiles.
Children under age six, adults over fifty, pregnant women, travelers to endemic areas, and those in care facilities should take extra precautions regarding potential hepatitis exposure.
What are the Signs of Hepatitis Infection?
Typical hepatitis A symptoms include:
- Fatigue, lack of energy
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain, discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Fever, headache, body aches
- Yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Muscle pain, joint swelling
Symptoms usually manifest around one month after ingesting contaminated food or liquid. Mild cases typically resolve within two months while more severe infection can persist for six months or longer.
What to Do If You Purchased Recalled Strawberries
If you have leftover bags of frozen strawberries under the FreshKampo, HEB, Great Value or Radar Farms brands matching recalled lot codes the FDA advises:
- Check best by dates and top corner codes carefully
- Discard product if it falls under impacted lots
- Thoroughly sanitize storage bins, containers used by discarded strawberries
- Call doctor if concerned about possible exposure or showing symptoms
You can also contact the FDA directly through their Recalls and Safety Alerts Portal to report suspected tainted strawberries. Having additional first-hand consumer accounts aids their ongoing investigation tracing the origin of the hepatitis contamination.
Requesting a refund for discarded strawberries requires contacting the retailer you originally purchased them from per their individual return policies.
Preventing Hepatitis A Through Proper Handling
Vigilance around food prep represents the top defense against contracting hepatitis A during outbreaks linked to fresh produce like the current situation.
Wash Hands Frequently
Reinforce consistent hand washing for at least 20 seconds using warm water and soap before, during, and after handling food. This remains the simplest yet most effective means to prevent unwitting contamination spread.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for produce that wont get fully cooked versus items that will. Never place washed fruit back on original storage platters or bowls transferred straight from grocer shelves before cleaning.
Scrub Surfaces
Disinfect countertops, sinks, appliances with a dilute bleach solution before and after food prep. This eliminates traces of hepatitis virus potentially lingering if contaminated produce introduced.
Thoroughly Cook risky Foods
Cooking produce thoroughly to an internal temperature of 185F reliably neutralizes dangerous pathogens like hepatitis. However freezing does NOT destroy the hardy hepatitis A pathogen.
Stay alert regarding recalled food notifications during disease outbreaks. Then deploy safety measures around proper handling, cooking, and storage to minimize personal infection risks.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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