Strawberries Sold At WI Walmart Stores Recalled For Hepatitis Risk

WISCONSIN — An Oregon company has recalled certain packages of frozen strawberries that were sold at some Wisconsin Walmart locations amid a possible Hepatitis A contamination, according to a safety recall notice on the Food and Drug Administration website.

No illnesses have been reported, but Walmarts in 31 states including Wisconsin sold the product as Great Value Sliced Strawberries, Great Value Mixed Fruit and Great Value Antioxidant Blend. The affected products were grown in Mexico and distributed between Jan. 24-June 8.

The recall also impacts packages of Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend distributed to Arizona, California, Colorado and Texas Costco locations from Oct. 3, 2022 to June 8.

Specific lot numbers and other information about the recall can be found on the FDA website.

Consumers were urged to check their freezers for the recalled product and either discard it or return it to the store for a refund. Products that have different lot codes or purchase dates aren’t affected by the recall.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the Hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from mild illnesses that last only a few weeks to more serious illnesses that can last several months.

Illnesses generally occur within 15 to 50 days after exposures. Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool.

People with preexisting or immunodeficiency illnesses are at heightened risk of liver failure.

Anyone who ate any of the recalled products should contact their family doctor or local health department to determine if a vaccination is appropriate. Anyone showing symptoms of Hepatitis A should seek treatment.