Public Health Services working with Costco to manage Hepatitis A risk
Hamilton, ON - April 20, 2016 – Public Health Services is advising residents of a food recall by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency due to a probable Hepatitis A contamination. The product, Nature's Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend, a frozen product with best before dates up to and including March 15, 2018, was recalled on April 15, 2016. The product has been sold exclusively at Costco warehouse locations in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. There are currently 13 confirmed cases of Hepatitis A in Canada linked to the product, with no confirmed cases in Hamilton at this time.
Hepatitis A is a virus that causes liver infection with symptoms that can last a few weeks to several months. Symptoms can develop 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe. Infants and the elderly can get quite sick. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea and vomiting, dark urine and yellowing of the skin. The virus is rarely fatal and is not known to cause long-term infection.
If residents have this product in their home, the following actions are recommended:
- Do not consume the product. Return the product to place of purchase or throw it out.
- Costco is offering post-exposure immunization, at Costco locations, to customers who consumed the recalled product within the last 14 days. Costco-Ancaster can be reached at 905-304-0344 or the Costco Ancaster Pharmacy at 905-304-2451 for further information.
- If you have symptoms of Hepatitis A , please see your health care provider
April 21 and April 22 Public Health Services will be on site at the Ancaster Costco Warehouse
During these hours Public Health Services is able to provide immunization to individuals who consumed the product within the last 14 days, including children 6 months of age and older, pregnant women and those with immunocompromise. Infants under 6 months of age, and individuals with chronic liver disease (i.e., cirrhosis) should see their health care provider.
When
Thursday, April 21, 2016 from 5 pm to 8:30 pm
Friday, April 22, 2016 from 5 pm to 8:30 pm
Where
Ancaster Costco Warehouse
100 Legend Ct, Ancaster, Ontario L9K 1J3
For more information visit Public Health Agency of Canada