By Tom Christensen, County of San Diego Communications Office
Frozen raspberry products recalled for possible hepatitis A contamination were sold in eight Aldi supermarkets in San Diego County and contained in yogurt parfaits served at cafeterias in the Escondido Union School District, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today. There have been no illnesses reported due to exposure to these products.
The supermarkets and the school district are the only locations in the county identified to date by the California Department of Public Health that got the recalled raspberries. The school district used the products in yogurt parfaits that were served during breakfasts in school cafeterias from September 5 to October 31.
A nationwide recall on frozen raspberries sold under the Aldi and Raley’s supermarket private label brands was posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on October 31 due to possible contamination with the hepatitis A virus. The virus was detected in a routine sampling program conducted by the FDA, which led to the voluntary recall.
People who have purchased the berries should not eat them and return them to the store for a refund. The CDPH has published a full list of locations where the berries were sold or served.
“Anyone who has not had two hepatitis A vaccinations and ate the recalled frozen raspberry products, or the yogurt parfaits made from them, should talk to their health care provider about getting immunizations to prevent the illness,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., county public health officer. “Everyone who ate these items should be aware of the symptoms of hepatitis A and seek medical attention early if they appear.”
Signs of hepatitis A can appear between two and seven weeks after exposure. Symptoms include mild fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, dark urine and jaundice (yellow eyes or skin). It is important that if you have these symptoms you seek medical attention and do not work in food service, health care or child care until you are no longer infectious.
The hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin can prevent infection if given within 14 days of exposure. The vaccine is available from health care providers and at County public health centers. The vaccine has been recommended for children since 1999, so children who have already been vaccinated should be protected.
The recalled products are:
Aldi
Season’s Choice Raspberries (frozen) 12-ounce bags with “best by” dates of June, 10, 2021, August 1, 2021, and August 23, 2021. The UPC code is 0 41498 12419 9 and the lot codes are 20161A, 20213A, and 20235A.
Season’s Choice Berry Medley (frozen) 16-ounce bags with “best by” dates of July 17, 2021, July 20, 2021, and July 22, 2021. The UPC code is 0 41498 31344 9 and the lot codes are 20198A, 20201A, and 20203A.
Raley’s
Raley’s Fresh Frozen Red Raspberries 12-ounce bags with “best by” dates of June 5, 2021 and August 1, 2021. The UPC code is 46567 00754 and the lot codes are 20156A04, 20213A06.
For more information about hepatitis A, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office.
