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Frozen strawberry recall linked to possible hepatitis A contamination

Posted at 4:04 PM, Nov 04, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-04 18:22:50-04

LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has released a list of businesses that received and possibly served frozen strawberries that were recently recalled due to a possible hepatitis A contamination.

Fifteen locations across West Michigan were listed, including six in Ottawa County.

List of known locations statewide

The frozen strawberries were recalled this weekend as part of a nationwide hepatitis A outbreak.  No illnesses have been reported in West Michigan in connection with the strawberries.

Adam London with the Kent County Health Department said those who ate an item containing strawberries at the affected locations "should receive the hepatitis A vaccination as soon as possible to try to prevent the illness.”

London says that the immunization is only effective for up to 14 days after exposure, so if it has been longer than 14 days, you should know the symptoms of hepatitis A and contact your doctor if you become sick.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that is spread by eating contaminated food.  The symptoms are:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • Dark urine
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Clay-colored bowel movements

Biggby, which had several locations on the state list, issued the following statement about the recall:

"Our product was received in August and destroyed in early September. Well before the time period they are discussing. BIGGBY and Sysco went way above and beyond to destroy this product before the recall was official. Product was also destroyed before it was opened"

For more information on the recall, click here.