Recall Alert: Costco and Kroger Recall Frozen Berries over Hepatitis A Concerns

Costco outlets joined Kroger in an urgent recall of frozen berries that were found to pose a risk of Hepatitis A to consumers according to the FDA.

Customers are advised to check their freezers and remove Townsend Farm blackberries with best-by dates listed between February 16 and May 4.

Costco sells the Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend product, and according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, product samples of this item contained Hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that infects the liver and can cause significant illness. This isn't the first time Townsend's products have caused it. Back in 2013, 165 cases were attributed to the frozen berries.

The Costco locations that sold the products are San Diego, Los Angeles, and Hawaii. The packaging codes of the affected items are:

• FEB1620,(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
• FEB1820,(A),(B),(C),or (D);
• FEB2920,(A),(B),(C),or (D);
• MAR0120,(A),(B),(C),or (D);
• APR1920,(B),(C), or (D);
• APR2020(A),(B),(C),(D),(E), or (F);
• APR2720(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
• APR2820(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
• MAY0220(A),(B),(C),(D),(E),(F),(G), or (H);
• MAY0420 (H).

No customers have reported illness due to the products as yet. Still, customers should throw out the item or return it to their nearest Costco branch for a refund.

Last week, Kroger first announced a recall of the items which were sold under private labels in close to 2,800 stores in over 35 states.

Kroger's affiliates, like Ralph's, Dillon's, Smith's, Fred Meyer, and Pick 'n Save all served the impacted products.

Kroger customers were advised to bring in the item for a full refund or a replacement. They call also call the company at 1-800-KROGERS for more information.

The recalled produce included:

• PRIVATE SELECTION FROZEN TRIPLE BERRY MEDLEY, 48 OZ (BEST BY: 07-07-20; UPC: 0001111079120)
• PRIVATE SELECTION FROZEN TRIPLE BERRY MEDLEY, 16 OZ (BEST BY: 06-19-20; UPC: 0001111087808)
• PRIVATE SELECTION FROZEN BLACKBERRIES, 16 OZ (BEST BY: 06-19-20, 07-02-20; UPC: 0001111087809)

Kroger customers were advised to bring in the item for a full refund or a replacement. They call also call the company at 1-800-KROGERS for more information.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A reportedly include fatigue, diarrhea, dark urine, pale stool, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, headaches, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Earlier this month, makeup items were recalled when they tested positive for asbestos. Claire's JoJo Siwa Makeup Set was identified as affected and quickly removed from shelves.

The affected batch was Lot No. S180109. The FDA also recalled Beauty Plus Global Contour Effects Palette 2 for the same reason. The company voluntarily recalled the products but claimed that errors had been made in testing.

Back in March, large quantities of another food item were recalled. 78,000 pounds of raw ground turkey products from Butterball LLC were recalled after the product was associated with five salmonella cases.

According to the Department of Food and Safety Inspection Service website, the items have a sell-by date of July 26, 2018. They asked persons who own the meat to throw it out or return it to the point of purchase.