Frozen berries recalled after eight cases of hepatitis A linked to products

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Ripening Blackberries
Several lines of frozen berries have been recalled from supermarkets due to hepatitis A contamination risk. Photograph: Envision / Corbis

More tests are being run on two brands of frozen berry products recalled due to a hepatitis A contamination scare.

Patties Foods has recalled its 1kg packs of Nanna’s Frozen Mixed Berries with the Victorian health department warning of a potential hepatitis A contamination.

The manufacturer also recalled 300g and 500g packs of Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries.

All products are sold nationally in Coles, Woolworths, IGA supermarkets and independent stores.

The chief executive of Patties Foods, Steven Chaur, said quality control tests had so far not found any contamination.

“While our quality control testing to date has not revealed any indicators with the food safety of either product, further detailed microbiological testing is being done and the recall is an important step to ensure public safety and confidence,” he said on Monday.

“We have moved quickly to recall all our frozen mixed berries until such time as we receive the results of further laboratory tests.”

An investigation is continuing with state and national health authorities.

Chaur said it was too early to say if the recalls would have any financial impact on the company.

“This aspect of the recalls is also being monitored and the market will be informed promptly and without delay if there are any material developments,” he said.

Hepatitis A is spread when traces of faecal matter containing the virus enter a person’s mouth.