Recall on Frozen Pomegranate Seeds Due to Hep A Threat

NH Department of Health warns consumers of a recall on Scenic Fruit Company's Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels.

The company  announced the voluntary recall of 5,091 cases based on an ongoing epidemiological investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control of potential Hepatitis A contamination.
 
No illnesses are currently associated with Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels, and product testing to date shows no presence of Hepatitis A virus in Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports as of June 26, 122 cases of hepatitis A have been linked to another product, Townsend Farms' frozen berries, across eight states: Arizona (17 cases), California (62), Colorado (25), Hawaii (5), New Mexico (5), Nevada (5), Utah (2) and Wisconsin (one case, but the person was exposed to the product while in California).

Scenic's decision to voluntarily recall products stems from an ongoing outbreak investigation by the FDA and CDC. The organic pomegranates are imported from Turkey.

No cases of Hepatitis A cases linked to this outbreak have been identified in New Hampshire.

The product was distributed to natural food stores in several states, including in New Hampshire. Woodstock Organic Pomegranate Kernels are sold in eight-ounce (227 gram) re-sealable plastic pouches (see image) with UPC Code 0 42563 01628 9. Specific coding information to identify theproduct can be found on the back portion of these pouches below thezip-lock seal. The following lots are subject to this recall:

   C 0129 (A,B, or C) 035 with a best by date of 02/04/2015

   C 0388 (A,B, or C) 087 with a best by date of 03/28/2015

   C 0490 (A,B, or C) 109 with a best by date of 04/19/2015

“It is important that all consumers check their freezers for this product,”said Dr. José Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS.

Consumers should not use the product. The product should be disposed ofimmediately. Please keep proof of product purchase.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illnessl asting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Illness generally occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure. Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool.

Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to a contaminated food. In rare cases, particularly in consumers who have a pre- existing severe illness or are immune compromised, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure.

Persons who may have consumed the affected product should consult with their health care professional or local health department to determine if a vaccination is appropriate. Consumers with symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their health care professional or the local health department immediately.

For questions or more information, contact the Scenic Fruit Company at 877-927-3434 or email to info@scenicfruit.com from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PDT.

For more information about the outbreak, please visit the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention's Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/Outbreaks/2013/A1b-03-31/index.html or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636), TTY: (888) 232-6348.