Berry Recall 2019: Kroger, Costco Recall Frozen Berries For Hepatitis A Contamination

Two recalls have been issued for frozen berries for a possible Hepatitis A contamination. The Kroger Co. (KR) has recalled a series of frozen berries manufactured by Townsend Farms and Costco (COST) has also issued a recall of frozen berries also produced by Townsend Farms.

The Kroger recall affects 48-ounce bags of Private Section Frozen Triple Berry Medley with a Best By Date of 07-07-20 and a UPC code of 0001111079120, 16-ounce bags of Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley with a Best By Date of 06-19-20 and a UPC code of 0001111087808, and 16-ounce bags of Private Selection Frozen Blackberries with a Best Buy Date of 06-19-20 and 07-02-20 and a UPC code of 0001111087809.

The recalled berries were distributed to all Kroger branded stores throughout the U.S. Kroger has removed the contaminated berries from its store shelves, and has notified consumers that may have purchased the recalled berries through register receipt tape messages and phone calls.

Customers should not consume the affected frozen berries. They should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund or replacement.

Questions about the recall can be directed to Kroger at 1-800-KROGERS, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. EST and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. EST.

Kroger discovered the issue when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration informed the company that a sample of the recalled berries was contaminated with Hepatitis A. The company has not received any reports of illness from the recalled berries.

Townsend Farms has also notified Costco its frozen blackberry products may be contaminated with Hepatitis A. The recall affects 4-pound bags of Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend with a Best By Date between Feb. 16, 2020, and May 4, 2020.

The Best Buy code for the recalled berries is located in a white box on the back of the package. The codes include:

• FEB1620,(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H)
• FEB1820,(A),(B),(C),or (D)
• FEB2920,(A),(B),(C),or (D)
• MAR0120,(A),(B),(C),or (D)
• APR1920,(B),(C), or (D)
• APR2020(A),(B),(C),(D),(E), or (F)
• APR2720(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H)
• APR2820(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H)
• MAY0220(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H)
• MAY0420 (H)

Labels of the recalled berries can be viewed here.

The recalled berries were sold in stores located in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Hawaii. No product manufactured for Costco by Townsend Farms has tested positive for Hepatitis A, the company said. Costco has notified its members about the recall.

Customers that have purchased the contaminated berries from Costco should not consume the product. The recalled berries should be disposed of. Costco is offering a full refund for the frozen berries affected by the recall. The company also recommends photographing the product bag as a personal record.

Questions about the recall can be directed to Townsend Farms’ customer service representatives at 1-877-244-0947 or by email at TownsendFarms4283@stericycle.com.

The company has not received any reports of consumer illness from consuming the recalled berries.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease. It can cause mild illness that lasts a few weeks or can become a more serious illness that lasts several months. The Hepatitis A illness typically occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure. Symptoms of the illness include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine, and pale stool. In rare case, the infection can result in liver failure for individuals that have a pre-existing illness or have a weakened immune system.

Individuals that have consumed the affected berries or are showing symptoms of Hepatitis A illness should immediately consult their healthcare provider or local health department for treatment.

Shares of Kroger stock were up 0.36 percent as of 10:22 a.m. ET on Wednesday while shares of Costco stock were down 0.10 percent at the same time.