The hepatitis A outbreak associated with Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berry and pomegranate mix sold at Costco stores has grown again to include 122 people. Fifty-four people have been hospitalized in this outbreak; there have been no deaths. The numbers are current as of June 25, 2013.
The case count per state is: Arizona (17), California (62), Colorado (25), Hawaii (5), New Mexico (5), Nevada (5), Utah (2), and Wisconsin (1). Seventy-one (58%) of the ill persons are women. The age range is from 2 to 84 years. Most of those ill are between the ages of 40 and 64 years. Illness onset dates range from 3/31/13 to 6/15/13.
The investigation by local, state, and federal health departments is ongoing. The recalled product was distributed to Arizona, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington state. For some reason, no cases have been reported from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington at this time. The FDA is testing samples of the product for the virus using a new protocol they developed.
The recalled products were sold at Costco stores in 3 pound bags with UPC number 078414 404448 under the name “Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend”. Harris Teeter also sold the product under the name “Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Berry Blend” in 10 ounce bags with UPC number 072036 70463 4. So far, no interviewed sick people said they bought the Harris Teeter brand product. Please check your freezers for this product; if you have either of them, discard it and wash your hands thoroughly. Contact your health care provider for advice about receiving a vaccination or monitoring yourself for the symptoms of hepatitis A.
Attorney Fred Pritzker and his Bad Bug Law Team have won millions for food poisoning victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against food processors, retailers and restaurants. They are providing free consultations to hepatitis A victims and their families.
