Hepatitis A At Whole Foods Market? Prepared Food Section In Detroit Linked To Two Cases

Two recent cases of Hepatitis A in Detroit have been linked to the prepared food section at a local division of Whole Foods Market, the Detroit Health Department said Thursday.

Although it remains unclear how the two people got the disease, officials at the health department have recommended vaccinations for those who had consumed the prepared food between Oct. 6 and 12 from the store located at 115 Mack Ave.

“While it remains unclear exactly how either of these individuals contracted Hepatitis A, and we know that Whole Foods Market Detroit has a comprehensive food safety protocol, we want to do our best to protect our residents and those of surrounding communities who may have been exposed,” said Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, executive director of the Detroit Health Department.

One of those diagnosed with the contagious liver disease is the store’s employee, and the other a Detroit resident.

Whole Foods Market issued a statement following the health department’s announcement.

“After a team member in our Whole Foods Market store in Detroit was diagnosed with Hepatitis A, out of an abundance of caution, we immediately contacted the Detroit Health Department and began reviewing food logs and safety procedures. While there is no definitive link that the second case is related to the occurrence in our store, we are cooperating fully with the Detroit Health Department to ensure the safety of our customers and team members,” it said in the statement.