Updated: Public Health Services warns of Hepatitis A risk
Hamilton, ON – April 22, 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.
Update
On April 22, 2016, Hamilton Public Health Services was notified that the recalled berries – Nature’s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend - were offered as a food sample at the Ancaster Costco Warehouse on March 23, 2016. People who consumed berry samples at the Ancaster Costco Warehouse on March 23, 2016 are advised to monitor for symptoms of Hepatitis A up to May 12, 2016 and to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms. Given the length of time since the March 23 samples were eaten, Hepatitis A vaccine given now will not prevent illness. Public Health Services advises against consuming the product. Return the product to place of purchase or throw it out.
What should you do if you consumed the recalled product?
If you have eaten the berries within the last two weeks:
- Get immunized against Hepatitis A as soon as possible, if you have not been fully immunized against Hepatitis A in the past.
- If received within 14 days of eating the berries, this vaccination may be helpful in preventing Hepatitis A infection.
- 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.
- On April 22 from 5 pm to 8:30 pm Public Health Services will be on site at the Ancaster Costco Warehouse to provide support to Costco and can 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.
If you have eaten the berries more than two weeks ago and up to eight weeks ago:
- There is a chance you may have been exposed to Hepatitis A and could develop an infection.
- If you develop the signs or symptoms of Hepatitis A infection, please contact your healthcare provider.
If you have eaten the berries more than eight weeks ago and did not develop any signs or symptoms of infection:
- It is very unlikely that you would be affected by a Hepatitis A infection from the recalled berries
What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver. Symptoms of infection can begin anywhere from 15 to 50 days after contact with the virus. Symptoms include weakness, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain and loss of appetite, followed within a few days by jaundice (a yellowish color of the skin and whites of the eyes). In severe and rare occasions, symptoms can include liver damage, liver failure, or death. Recovery generally takes a few weeks, but can take months. Most people recover without side effects and have lifelong immunity against hepatitis A.
Young children who develop symptoms of Hepatitis A should not attend daycare until seen by a health care provider and determined not to have Hepatitis A. Health care workers and food handlers with symptoms of Hepatitis A should not attend work until seen by a health care provider and determined not to have Hepatitis A. Daycare attendees, health care workers and food handlers with Hepatitis A will be advised by Public Health Services when it is safe to return to daycare or work.
For more information visit Public Health Agency of Canada.