Heads up, consumers: Kroger has issued a recall of some
of its frozen berries over a possible Hepatitis A contamination.
In a statement Friday, Kroger announced it was recalling
potentially contaminated items from its “Private Selection” brand.
Those items include its Private Selection
Frozen Triple Berry Medley (16 oz) and Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley (48 oz). The Private Selection Frozen Blackberries (16 oz)
are also subject to the recall. "Customers who have purchased
these products should not consume them and should return
them to a store for a full refund or replacement," the company
said in the statement.
Kroger issued the recall after it was “informed by the FDA
that a sample of the Private Selection frozen berries was
tested by the FDA and found to be contaminated with
Hepatitis A," the company said. However, no illnesses
have been reported at this time.
The frozen berries, which were manufactured by
Townsend Farms, per the company’s statement,
were distributed to Kroger stores nationwide.
Hepatitis A is a “highly contagious” liver infection is caused
by the Hepatitis A virus, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus typically spreads when a person eats or drinks
something “contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool from an infected person,” the health agency said.
Those who contract Hepatitis A — not to be confused with
hepatitis B or C, which are caused by different viruses —
may be sick for “several weeks" and usually fully recover,
according to the CDC. It is rare to die from the illness, though
Hepatitis A can cause liver failure and death, typically in those
who are 50 years of age or older.