Brantford, ON – The Brant County Health Unit encourages any Brant resident with questions or concerns about Costco’s frozen fruit recall to visit the Health Unit website. If residents have further questions they should contact the infectious disease team at 519-753-4937 ext. 454.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a recall for Nature’s Touch brand Organic Berry Cherry Blend fruit on April 15, 2016. The recall was issued because 12 confirmed cases of non-travel-related hepatitis A connected to the product are under investigation by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“Hepatitis A affects the liver,” says Ruth Gratton, Manager, Infectious Diseases at the Health Unit. “Symptoms vary from person to person, and some infected people, especially children, may show no symptoms at all.” If symptoms do appear they may include fever, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, and/or jaundice. Symptoms can last from a few weeks to several months, though the illness is self-limiting and will eventually be cleared by a person’s immune system.
“If you have concerns about you or family members contracting hepatitis A through the recalled fruit, contact your family doctor or the Health Unit,” says Gratton. “This is especially important for vulnerable people, including older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Hepatitis A vaccine will be provided at the Health Unit for those individuals who, after assessment, meet the criteria.” Proper hand hygiene is very important in stopping the spread of hepatitis A.
To contact the Health Unit’s infectious disease team, phone 519-753-4937 ext. 454. For more information about hepatitis A online, visit www.bchu.org/hepA.
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