Bags of pomegranate kernels are being recalled over concerns they may be contaminated with the Hepatitis A virus.
According to the state Department of Consumer Protection, 8-ounce bags of Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels are being removed from Connecticut store shelves Thursday after the company that makes them announced a voluntary recall.
Scenic Fruit Company issued the recall based on ongoing investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration. The investigation surrounds and outbreak of the illness, but no Hepatitis A illnesses have been connected to the kernels, according to the Department of Consumer Protection.
The organic pomegranates are imported from Turkey. The products were shipped from February through May to distribution centers in Connecticut, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Washington State.
The kernels are sold in 8-ounce resealable plastic pouches with UPC Code 0 42563 01628 9. The pouches with the following lot numbers are a part of the recall:
- C 0129 (A, B, or C) 035 with a best by date of 2/4/2015
- C 0388 (A, B, or C) 087 with a best by date of 3/28/2015
- C 0490 (A, B, or C) 109 with a best by date of 4/19/2015
People who have these products are urged to throw them out and to keep the proof of purchase.
Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can be mild and last for weeks, or in more serious cases, can last for months, according to the Department of Consumer Protection. Symptoms include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine and pale stool. People usually become sick 15 to 50 days after being exposed to Hepatitis A.
Photo Credit: Dept.of Consumer Protection
