Texas Strawberry Hepatitis A Lawyer

Frozen strawberries and frozen fruit blends were recalled from HEB, Costco, and Walmart stores in Texas due to a risk of Hepatitis A.

Need a Texas Strawberry Hepatitis A Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed Hepatitis A after eating strawberries, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

HEB, Costco, Walmart Recall Frozen Strawberries for Hepatitis A

In June 2023, a variety of frozen fruit products were recalled at Costco, HEB, and Walmart stores throughout Texas because the frozen strawberries may be contaminated with Hepatitis A. The recalled products include:

• Walmart: Great Value Sliced Strawberries, Great Value Mixed Fruit, and Great Value Antioxidant Blend distributed to select Walmart stores in AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, WI, WV, and WY from January 24th, 2023 to June 8th, 2023
• Costco Wholesale Stores: Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend distributed to Costco Wholesale stores in Colorado, Texas, California, and Arizona from October 3rd, 2022 and June 8th, 2023.
• HEB: Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio distributed to HEB stores in Texas from July 18th, 2022 to June 8th, 2023.

Strawberries Linked to Hepatitis A Outbreak

In March 2023, an outbreak of Hepatitis A was linked to frozen organic strawberries that were sold nationwide in the U.S. at multiple stores. According to the CDC outbreak investigation, at least 5 people who ate strawberries were infected with Hepatitis A between November and December 2022.

In response, recalls were issued by Scenic Fruit Company and California Splendor Inc. for multiple brand-names of frozen organic strawberries that were sold at several grocery stores in certain states.

The only product that was sold in Texas was Trader Joe’s Organic Organic Tropical Fruit Blend Pineapple, Bananas, Strawberries & Mango (Best By 04/25/24, 05/12/24, 05/23/24, 05/30/24, and 06/07/24).

In certain other states, the recalled product include Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Strawberries, Simply Nature Organic Strawberries, Vital Choice Organic Strawberries, Made With Organic Strawberries, and PCC Community Markets Organic Strawberries.

According to the CDC, the same strain of Hepatitis A also caused another outbreak in 2022 that was also linked to organic strawberries. In both outbreaks, the strawberries were grown in Baja California, Mexico, and imported to the U.S.

Pictures of bags of frozen organic strawberries recalled after an outbreak of Hepatitis A

HEB and FreshKampo Strawberries Linked to Hepatitis A Outbreak

In May 2022, health officials in the U.S. and Canada linked dozens of Hepatitis A illnesses to HEB® and FreshKampo® Strawberries, which were sold in Texas and other states nationwide.

FreshKampo® and HEB® brand fresh organic strawberries were recalled from stores nationwide. They were sold from March 5, 2022 through April 25, 2022. The strawberries are past their shelf life, but they may still be in consumers’ freezers.

The list of retail stores where the recalled strawberries were sold includes (but is not limited to):

• Aldi
• HEB
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Sprouts Farmers Market
• Trader Joe’s
• Walmart
• Weis Markets
• WinCo Foods

In the United States, as of May 31, 2022, health officials have reported that 17 people were infected with Hepatitis A after eating recalled strawberries. The illnesses were reported in California (15), Minnesota (1) and North Dakota (1). At least 12 people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. The last illness began on April 30, 2022.

Health Canada reported that another 10 people who ate the recalled strawberries were infected f Hepatitis A in Alberta (4) and Saskatchewan (6) as of mid-April 2022. The illnesses were linked to strawberries that were sold in Canada between March 5 and March 9, 2022.

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a highly-contagious virus that spreads in fecal matter. Outbreaks are typically linked to contaminated food or water, or from infected food-handlers who fail to wash their hands properly.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A Infection

Not everyone who is infected shows symptoms of Hepatitis A. Children are less likely to show symptoms. If symptoms appear, it can take up to 50 days. The signs of Hepatitis A infection may include:

• Fever
• Dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Other Outbreaks of Hepatitis A Linked to Berries

Fresh and frozen berries have been linked to multiple Hepatitis A outbreaks in recent years. Many recalls have been issued for blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, pomegranate seeds, mixed berry products, and other berries.

For example, in 2016, frozen strawberries from Egypt were linked to an outbreak of Hepatitis A. At least 134 people in 9 states were infected, mostly after consuming strawberry smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Need a Strawberry Hepatitis A Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.