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USDA Expands Hepatitis A Alert for Frozen Berries

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/03/27 .. xpands-hepatitis-a-alert-for-frozen-berries.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, March 27th 2026 at 6:53 GMT by Parade
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Friday, March 27th, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today expanded its health alert concerning frozen mixed berries potentially contaminated with Hepatitis A. What began as a focused warning has broadened to encompass a wider range of brands and distribution channels, raising concerns for consumers nationwide.

The initial alert, issued earlier this week, stemmed from a cluster of reported Hepatitis A cases linked to the consumption of imported frozen berries. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with state health agencies, traced the illnesses back to several specific brands, prompting the USDA to issue the initial warning. However, ongoing investigations have revealed a potentially larger scope of contamination, necessitating the expanded alert issued today.

Understanding the Risk: Hepatitis A and its Symptoms

Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease that can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms typically appear 15-50 days after exposure and can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, and clay-colored stools. While most people recover fully, Hepatitis A can, in rare cases, lead to liver failure. Vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, are at higher risk of severe complications.

Affected Products and Brands

The USDA's latest alert details a growing list of affected brands including, but not limited to, 'Berry Bliss,' 'Frozen Delights,' and 'Arctic Harvest.' The specific lot numbers and 'best by' dates are crucial for consumers to verify. The full, up-to-date list is available on the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website: [ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/public/press-release/2026/march/health-alert-recall-frozen-mixed-berries-potential-hepatitis-a-contamination ]. It's vital to note that the investigation is ongoing, and this list is subject to change.

Traceability Challenges and the Import Issue

The source of the contamination appears to be traced back to a single agricultural region overseas, highlighting ongoing challenges with food safety in global supply chains. Importing produce presents inherent risks, particularly when it comes to ensuring adherence to stringent U.S. food safety standards. The FDA is working with international partners to pinpoint the exact source of the contamination and implement preventative measures. Experts suggest the issue isn't necessarily the berries themselves, but rather potential contamination during harvesting, processing, or packaging.

Consumer Action: What You Should Do Now

The USDA urges all consumers to take the following steps:

• Check Your Freezer: Immediately examine your freezer for any of the listed frozen mixed berry products.
• Verify Lot Numbers: Compare the lot numbers and 'best by' dates on your berries to the information provided on the USDA's website.
• Discard Contaminated Products: If you have any of the affected berries, do not consume them. Discard them immediately in a sealed bag to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Thorough Cleaning: After discarding the berries, thoroughly clean and sanitize any surfaces, containers, or utensils that may have come into contact with them. Use a bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water).
• Monitor for Symptoms: If you have consumed these berries within the past two weeks, monitor yourself and your family for symptoms of Hepatitis A. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Vaccination: While not recommended for everyone, individuals traveling to areas where Hepatitis A is common, or those with specific risk factors, should consider vaccination.

Preventative Measures and Future Outlook

The FDA is increasing its surveillance of imported produce, including more frequent inspections and testing. There are also discussions underway regarding stricter import regulations and improved traceability systems to prevent similar incidents in the future. The current situation underscores the need for a robust and proactive food safety infrastructure, both domestically and internationally.

This alert serves as a critical reminder for consumers to remain vigilant about food safety and to follow the guidance provided by public health officials. The USDA and FDA are committed to protecting the public health and are working diligently to resolve this issue and prevent future occurrences.