Updated Recall Information: The recalled product sold at Costco was Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend, 3 lb. bag and UPC 0 78414 404448. The recalled codes are located on the back of the package with the words “BEST BY”, followed by the code T012415 sequentially through T053115, followed by a letter. The recalled product sold at Harris Teeter was Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Berry Blend, 10 oz. bag UPC 0 72036 70463 4. The correct “Lot” and “best by” codes are as follows: Lot Codes T041613E, T041613C and a “BEST BY” code of 101614.
Updated Lawsuit Information: Lawsuits against Costco and Townsend Farms have been filed. There are now over 60 people diagnosed with Hepatitis A who are part of this outbreak, and health officials predict that the outbreak will grow. You can contact attorney Fred Pritzker about a Costco and Townsend Farms lawsuit for compensation.
At least 30 people in 5 states have Hepatitis A infections associated with Townsend Farms berries purchased at Costco, according to the CDC, but neither Costco nor Townsend Farms has recalled the product, Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend. Why no recall?
Costco has issued a safety notice regarding Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend and pulled the product from its shelves, but that is not technically a recall. The company could issue a recall even if Townsend Farms does not, according to attorney Fred Pritzker. It is possible Costco is waiting for the results of product and environmental testing on samples taken from the Townsend Farms plant in Oregon.
Through interviews with ill patients, the CDC has reported that 11 of 17 patients interviewed thus far recalled eating Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend. FDA has begun an inspection of the processing facilities of Townsend Farms of Fairview, Oregon. The FDA is also developeing a protocol to test berries for the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), and will be testing samples related to the outbreak, including the frozen blend for the presence of Hepatitis A.
To date there are people sickened in 5 states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico. The cities of Phoenix, San Diego, Reno and Las Vegas are the hardest hit.
Lawyer Fred Pritzker and his team have been fielding calls all day from people with questions about Hepatitis A from Costco berries. Pritzker Hageman law firm is investigating individual lawsuits on behalf of people who were diagnosed with Hepatitis A.
