A recall has been issued for certain frozen fruit mixes after public health officials raised concerns about possible hepatitis A contamination. Unlike many foodborne illnesses that cause short-term stomach symptoms, hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause illness for weeks to months.
Frozen fruit is a common outbreak source because it may be eaten without a kill step (for example, blended into smoothies) and freezing does not reliably eliminate viruses. If you have the recalled product at home, do not consume it—even if it looks and smells normal.
At a glance
- What: Frozen fruit mix recall due to possible hepatitis A contamination
- Main risk: Viral infection of the liver; illness can be prolonged
- Where found: Frozen berries/fruit blends used in smoothies or bowls
- What to do: Do not eat, identify lot codes, discard/return, sanitize, and contact a clinician if exposed
- Urgency: Recent exposure may qualify for post-exposure vaccination—seek guidance quickly
What is hepatitis A and how it spreads
Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that spreads through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food, water, or contact with infected individuals. In food outbreaks, contamination can occur during harvesting, processing, packaging, or handling—especially when hygiene controls break down.
Importantly, a person can be contagious before they feel sick, and symptoms can take time to appear.
Why frozen fruit outbreaks can be difficult
- Long shelf life: People may keep recalled bags for weeks or months.
- No visible signs: Viruses don’t change taste, smell, or appearance.
- Often eaten uncooked: Smoothies, parfaits, and bowls may not heat the fruit enough to inactivate viruses.
- Cross-contamination: Scoops, blender parts, and counters can spread contamination to other foods.
Symptoms to watch for
Some people have mild symptoms or none at all, but others can become very ill. Symptoms may appear weeks after exposure. Watch for:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain (especially upper right side)
- Fever
- Dark urine or pale/clay-colored stools
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Itching
Who is at higher risk of severe illness
- Older adults
- People with chronic liver disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- Anyone who has not been vaccinated for hepatitis A
What to do if you have the recalled frozen fruit
- Do not eat it and do not taste-test it.
- Seal and discard the product, or return it to the retailer if instructed.
- Clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers, blender parts, or utensils that touched the fruit.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the bag or fruit.
- Check your freezer for portions moved to zip bags or containers and discard those too.
If you may have been exposed
If you ate the recalled fruit recently, contact a healthcare provider promptly to ask whether you should receive post-exposure prevention (often vaccination, depending on timing and risk factors). This can be time-sensitive, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
If you live with others, tell them as well. Hepatitis A can spread in households through shared bathrooms and close contact, especially if hygiene is not strict.
How to sanitize after handling recalled fruit
- Wash blender pitchers, lids, and blades with hot soapy water, then sanitize.
- Wipe counters, sinks, fridge/freezer handles, and drawers.
- Use separate towels for cleanup and launder them promptly.
- Wash hands after cleaning and before preparing any other food.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just rinse the fruit and use it?
No. Rinsing may not remove viruses effectively. If a product is recalled for hepatitis A risk, it should not be consumed.
Does freezing kill hepatitis A?
Freezing does not reliably eliminate hepatitis A virus. That’s why frozen fruit can be involved in outbreaks.
What if I ate it weeks ago and feel fine?
Symptoms can take weeks to appear, and some people have mild illness. Contact a clinician if you’re unsure, especially if you are in a higher-risk group or have household contacts who may be vulnerable.