Berries recalled over hepatitis A link

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Consumers have been told to throw out any 1kg packets of Nanna’s Frozen Mixed Berry.

Consumers have been told to throw out any 1kg packets of Nanna’s Frozen Mixed Berry. Source: ThinkStock

A HEALTH warning has been issued for a popular frozen berries product after consumers contracted the deadly hepatitis A virus.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Rosemary Lester, has urged anyone with the 1kg packets of Nanna’s Frozen Mixed Berry in their freezer to immediately throw them out as it may be contaminated with hepatitis A.

The Department of Health is also calling on the company to recall the product.

It comes after three Victorian adults and one in New South Wales were diagnosed with the disease.

Consumers are being warned to avoid the imported product, which is stocked at major supermarkets including Coles and Woolworths.

It contains strawberries, raspberries and blackberries from China, and blueberries from Chile.

It is packed in China and distributed in Australia by Patties, based in Bairnsdale.

Dr Lester said frozen berries had been implicated in past outbreaks.

“Hepatitis A virus infection is uncommon, and normally associated with travel to countries affected by endemic hepatitis A,” Dr Lester said.

“The only common link between the cases is consumption of this product — there is no overseas travel or common restaurant exposure.

“Sampling of the product will be undertaken to identify the virus, but it is difficult to find hepatitis A virus even in a contaminated batch.”

Hepatitis A is spread when traces of faecal matter containing the virus contaminate hands, objects, water or food and is then taken in by mouth.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, fever and chills and yellow skin or eyes.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their GP or Nurse On Call on 1300 606 024.

Originally published as Frozen berries linked to hepatitis A scare