K A S H R U T . C O M_©

Townsend Farms, Inc., Fairview, OR, has announced that it is voluntarily recalling certain lots of its frozen Organic Antioxidant Blend, out of an abundance of caution, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Hepatitis A virus, based on an ongoing epidemiological and traceback investigation by the FDA and the CDC of an illness outbreak. No other Townsend Farms products, frozen or fresh, are covered by this voluntary recall or linked to the illness outbreak at this time. This release confirms the correct Lot codes for Harris Teeter Products.
The product was sold at Costco warehouse stores under the product name Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend, 3 lb. bag and UPC 0 78414 404448. The recalled codes are located on the back of the package with the words "BEST BY"; followed by the code T012415 sequentially through T053115, followed by a letter. All of these letter designations are included in this recall for the lot codes listed above. Photos of the package are attached.
The product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores from April 19 until May 7, 2013, under the product name Harris Teeter Organic Antioxidant Berry Blend, 10 oz. bag UPC 0 72036 70463 4. The correct "Lot" and "best by" codes are as follows: Lot Codes T041613E, T041613C and a "BEST BY" code of 101614. Photos of the packaging are attached.
Persons who may have consumed affected product should consult with their health care professional or local health department to determine if a vaccination is appropriate, and consumers with symptoms of Hepatitis A should contact their health care professionals or the local health department immediately. Consumers with the product should not consume the product. The product should be disposed of immediately. Please keep proof of product purchase.
For questions or more information, contact a Townsend Farms Customer Service Representative by phone or e-mail at 1-800-875-5291; townsendfarms5148@stericycle.com.

The strain of hepatitis A virus (HAV) implicated in this outbreak is rare in the United States, but more common in North Africa and the Middle East. The pomegranate seeds in this mixture were from Turkey.

The following related health alert is from the Foodsafetynewson May 31, 2013 and on June 6, 2013.

A Target pharmacy employee who works at two locations in Alameda County, California handled medications after being infected with hepatitis A as part of the multistate outbreak linked to frozen mixed berries. (see above)
"The county public health department has recommended that the pharmacies contact customers who had prescriptions filled by the employee during that time period when the person was likely contagious,” read the report. “Health officials said transmission of the disease was likely low, however customers are advised to stop taking medications that could have been handled by the infected employee. Customers who took medicine filled by the ill employee are advised to see a doctor and get a hepatitis A vaccination if they are not immunized."