The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into a possible contamination of hepatitis A in strawberries grown in Baja California, which were exported to the US market and sold in chains such as Walmart, Costco, and HEB.

According to the FDA, additional companies that may have received potentially contaminated products have been identified, and they are working collaboratively to ensure the removal of any suspected affected products from the market.

A voluntary product recall has been initiated by Willamette Valley Fruit Co. from Salem, Oregon, which includes select packages of frozen fruit products containing strawberries. The 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, and Rader Farms Organic Berry Trio 3-lb.

The FDA has urged consumers and retailers not to sell, serve, or consume the frozen strawberries distributed by these companies, and any recovered products should be properly discarded.

The affected brands in the recall include Simply Nature, Vital Choice, Kirkland Signature, Made With, PCC Community Markets frozen organic strawberries, and Trader Joe's Organic Tropical Fruit Blend.

The FDA continues to work on gathering traceability data and conducting the investigation into hepatitis A infections linked to frozen organic strawberries imported from Baja California. Their aim is to ensure consumer safety and prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses related to contaminated products.

It is important for consumers to stay informed about FDA updates and follow the recommendations to safeguard their health and well-being.