Costco offers Hepatitis A vaccinations linked to frozen berry mix recall

OTTAWA – Costco is offering Hepatitis A vaccinations to anyone who purchased a frozen berry mix recently recalled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

The CFIA recalled Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend on Saturday due to possible contamination. The frozen berry mix is sold exclusively at Costco stores in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says 13 cases of Hepatitis A have been linked to the product – nine in Ontario, three in Quebec, and one in Newfoundland and Labrador – with the individuals becoming sick in February and March. It says three people were hospitalized.

The health agency says anyone exposed to the recalled product, or have symptoms of Hepatitis A, should see their health care provider immediately.

The PHAC says Costco Canada is now offering free Hepatitis A vaccinations for anyone who has been affected by the recall. The agency says vaccinations can prevent the onset of symptoms if given within two weeks of exposure.

The agency says Hepatitis A can cause inflammation of the liver, and sufferers can experience a wide range of symptoms including fever, low appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and jaundice.

It notes the symptoms are usually mild and last one or two weeks, however, in severe cases can last several months.

The CFIA said the affected product was sold in 1.5 kg packages with best-before dates up to and including March 16, 2018 (UPC code 8 73668 00179 1). Anyone who has the product is urged to throw it out, or return it to the store where it was purchased.