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313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 806  |  Los Angeles, CA 90012  |  (213) 240-8144  |  media@ph.lacounty.gov

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For Immediate Release:

November 02, 2019

Press Release:Public Health Alerts Residents of Recall of Wawona Frozen Foods, Raspberries and Frozen Berry Mixes sold at Aldi Grocery Stores
Possible Exposure to Hepatitis A Virus

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) is working closely with The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Food and Drug Branch, in coordination with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to alert consumers to a recall of frozen raspberries and frozen berry mixes containing raspberries sold at Aldi Grocery Stores, as well as frozen raspberries sold at Raley's Family of Fine Stores because they could potentially be contaminated with Hepatitis A virus (HAV). To date, no cases of acute HAV associated with the recalled product have been identified. Although no cases have been identified, because the virus can persist in frozen product, consumers are urged to see if they have product in the freezer and discard it or take it back to the store it was purchased in.

HAV is a contagious virus that can cause liver disease. An HAV infection can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or are immune compromised, HAV infections can progress to liver failure. Illness usually occurs within 15 to 50 days after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Symptoms of infection include fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine or pale stool. In some instances, particularly in children under the age of six, HAV infection may be asymptomatic.

Persons who may have consumed the affected products should consult their health care provider to determine if a vaccination is appropriate and consumers with symptoms of HAV should contact their health providers or the Public Health immediately. The recalled frozen raspberries were packaged and sold in the following sizes and with the following accompanying information:

The frozen raspberries and frozen berry mixes containing raspberries were distributed throughout stores in Aldi and Raley's Family of Fine store chains. The recalled frozen raspberries were imported from Chile. No other retail packages of frozen raspberry products are included in this voluntary and precautionary recall.

Consumers who have purchased the above products should not consume them and should either discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Aldi and Raley customers with questions may contact Wawona Frozen Foods at 866-913-0667 or visit the website at http://www.wawona.com

Wawona Frozen Foods is fully cooperating with federal health officials as well as Aldi and Raley's to facilitate an efficient and complete recall of the frozen raspberries and frozen berry mixes containing raspberries. For more information see the FDA recall alert: http://http://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wawona-frozen-food-voluntarily-recalls-frozen-raspberries-due-possible-health-risk

The Department of Public Health is committed to promoting health equity and ensuring optimal health and well-being for all 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,500 employees and has an annual budget of $1.2 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov , and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lapublichealth, facebook.com/lapublichealth, instagram.com/lapublichealth and youtube.com/lapublichealth.





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