Ancaster Costco gave out free samples of product linked to hepatitis A
CBC News | Posted: April 22, 2016 6:13 PM | Last Updated: April 22, 2016
The samples were given out on March 23. The product was recalled on April 15
Hamilton Costco shoppers are advised to be on red alert after a fruit product linked to hepatitis A was given out as a free sample in the Ancaster warehouse.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall around Nature's Touch Organic Berry Cherry Blend, a frozen product with best before dates up to and including March 16, 2018.
In Ancaster, the product was offered as a free sample on March 23, says Hamilton Public Health. Anyone who thinks they might have eaten some should monitor themselves for hepatitis A symptoms. That includes weakness, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain and loss of appetite, followed by jaundice.
If you did eat a sample, officials say, it's too late for a vaccine to help.
The product was recalled on April 15 and is sold exclusively at Costco warehouses in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, Hamilton Public Health said in a media release.
There are no confirmed cases in Hamilton, but there are 13 confirmed cases of hepatitis A in Canada, it said.
Costco is offering post-exposure immunization at Costco locations. Costco Ancaster can be reached by calling 905-304-0344 or the pharmacy there at 905-304-2451.
Here are some facts about hepatitis A:
- Hepatitis A causes liver infection and its symptoms last a few weeks to several months.
- Symptoms can develop 15 to 50 days after exposure and can be mild or severe.
- Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dark urine and yellowing of the skin.
If you have the product, take it back to the place or purchase or throw it out. Don't consume it.