Health and Community Services
April 20, 2016

Public Advisory: Consumers Advised Not to Consume Nature's Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend Frozen Fruit

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a food recall warning people not to consume the frozen fruit product Nature�s Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend due to an identified Hepatitis A contamination. The product is sold exclusively at Costco.

There has been one case in Newfoundland and Labrador and 11 cases elsewhere in Canada linking Hepatitis A infections to the frozen fruit product. Residents are advised that if they suspect they have symptoms consistent with Hepatitis A � which may include fever, low appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and yellowing in the whites of the eyes and the skin (jaundice) � they should see a health care provider immediately. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to Costco.

Vaccination can prevent the onset of symptoms if given within two weeks of exposure. Individuals who have consumed the recalled product within the past 14 days may be eligible for vaccine, which can be given as a preventive measure. A prescription from a physician is required or people may contact a local public health office to obtain the vaccine. Residents who have already been immunized for Hepatitis A, or who have had the virus in the past, are immune for life.

Food contaminated with Hepatitis A virus may not look or smell spoiled. Eating food contaminated with the virus may cause hepatitis and produce a disease that resolves on its own without treatment and without resulting in chronic infection or chronic liver disease. The virus is usually mild and starts about 15 to 50 days after the contaminated food is eaten. It generally goes away by itself in a week or two. Most people recover without treatment.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is leading this human health investigation and is in regular contact with federal and provincial partners to monitor and address the situation. Residents can view the CFIA�s food recall notice at //healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/inspection/2016/57960r-eng.php .

For more information, residents can call the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine at 811.

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Media contact:

Tina Williams
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca

2016 04 20                              11:55 a.m.