FDA announces the recall of frozen strawberries sold at Wal-Marts, possible Hepatitis A contamination

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June 14th, 2023 | By Ryan Genova

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that the Oregon-based Willamette Valley Fruit Company is voluntarily recalling select packages of frozen fruit containing strawberries grown in Mexico.

According to the FDA, the strawberries could be tainted with Hepatitis A, a contagious liver disease which can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness that lasts multiple months.

The recalled items sold at Wal-Marts are:

  • Great Value Sliced Strawberries
  • Great Value Mixed Fruit
  • Great Value Antioxidant Blend

The products were sold in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and 29 other states between January 24 and Thursday, June 8.

From the FDA’s update:

Based on traceback data gathered during the ongoing investigation of hepatitis A infections linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico; FDA has identified additional firms that may have received potentially contaminated product. FDA has been working with these firms to ensure that any potentially contaminated product is removed from the market. 

June 12, 2023, Willamette Valley Fruit Co. of Salem, Oregon, initiated a voluntary recall of select packages of frozen fruit products containing strawberries. Recalled products include Great Value Mixed Fruit 4-lb, Great Value Sliced Strawberries 4-lb, Great Value Antioxidant Fruit Blend 2-lb, Rader Farms Organic Fresh Start Smoothie Blend 48-oz. bag (each bag consists of six 8-oz packages), and Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio 3-lb.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the products, though anyone who purchased any of the recalled items is instructed to destroy or return them to the store for a refund.

Anyone who may have been exposed to the recalled product has been advised to consult with a local healthcare professional or their local health department to determine what steps to take to combat the virus.

The FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

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Photo courtesy of FDA