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FDA Warns Strawberries Could be Linked to Hepatitis A Outbreak

    FDA Warns Strawberries Could be Linked to Hepatitis A Outbreak
    Last updated May 31, 2022
    Image credit: FreshKampo [via Daily Mail]

    Facts

    • The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that some strawberries sold in major US grocery stores may contain traces of Hepatitis A.[1]
    • Infections have been linked to organic strawberries packaged by California berry distributor FeshKampo and Texas-based grocery store H-E-B, purchased between Mar. 5 and Apr. 25.[2]
    • Possible infected batches were sold at grocery chains such as Aldi, H-E-B, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts, Farmers Market, Trader Joe's, Walmart, Weis Markets, and WinCo Foods.[2]
    • The outbreak is reportedly not linked to the recent spread of the mysterious children's hepatitis that has infected hundreds worldwide.[1]
    • The FDA, the CDC, and Canadian health officials are investigating the "multistate outbreak" that may be linked to 17 cases and 12 hospitalizations spread between California, Minnesota, and Canada.[3]

    Spin

    Establishment-critical narrative

    This is yet another example of the FDA's reactive instead of preventative policy. Recalls occur when it's too late and Americans pay the price. It's long overdue that the FDA's existing food safety measures are revised.

    Pro-establishment narrative

    Recalls are first-and-foremost a public health issue, but it's also important to understand the economic costs they have on companies. We must seek solutions that improve both public health and economic conditions pertaining to food safety.

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