Costco Berry Recall 2019: Recall Expanded For Possible Hepatitis A Contamination

Following the recall that was issued on June 11 for frozen berries from Costco, Townsend Farms, Inc. has expanded the recall to now include three additional states because the frozen berries may be contaminated with Hepatitis A.

The recall affects four-pound bags of Kirkland Three Berry Blend sold at Costco. The recall has been expanded to the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. The initial recall was issued for San Diego, Los Angeles, and Hawaii.

The same Best By codes, which are located in the white box on the back of the bag, remain the same for the expanded recall, including:

• 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)

The recalled berries also have a vendor code of #63720. Labels of the recalled product can be viewed here.

Consumers should not consume the recalled berries. The berries should be disposed of or returned to Costco for a full refund. The company also recommends taking a photo of the product bag to have as a record.

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

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease. It can cause mild illness that lasts a few weeks or develop into a more serious illness that lasts for several months. Illness typically occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine, and pale stool. In rare cases, it can lead to liver failure.

Consumers that are concerned about illness from the recalled berries, or who display symptoms of Hepatitis A, should contact their healthcare provider or local health department immediately.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there has been no consumer illnesses reported from the recalled frozen berries to date.