CDC-Multistate outbreak of Hepatitis A infections linked to pomegranate seeds from Turkey

CDC-Multistate outbreak of Hepatitis A infections linked to pomegranate seeds from Turkey

Posted June 28, 2013 2:00 PM ET

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses. Results from the ongoing investigation are highlighted below.

Highlights

Epidemiologic Investigation:

Read the Advice to Consumers »
As of June 27, 2013, 127 people have been confirmed to have become ill from Hepatitis A after eating ‘Townsend Farms Organic Anti-oxidant Blend’ in 8 states: Arizona (17), California (64), Colorado (25), Hawaii (7), New Mexico (5), Nevada (5), Utah (2), and Wisconsin (2).
[Note: The cases reported from Wisconsin resulted from exposure to the product in California.]

71 (58%) ill people are women

Ages range from 2 – 84 years;
74 (61%) of those ill were between 40 – 64 years of age.
6 children under age 18 were also ill. None were previously vaccinated.
Illness onset dates range from 3/31/2013 – 6/15/2013
55 (45%) ill people (all over 18 years of age) have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported

All those who reported eating this product purchased it from Costco markets; however, the product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores. No cases have been identified that bought the product at Harris Teeter at this time.

Laboratory Investigation:

The outbreak strain of hepatitis A virus, belonging to genotype 1B, was found in clinical specimens of 56 people in seven states: AZ (6), CA (15), CO (22), HI (4), NM (4), NV (4) and WI (1; the person was exposed in California). This subtype is rarely seen in the Americas but circulates in North Africa and the Middle East.

This genotype was identified in a 2013 outbreak in Europe linked to frozen berries and another 2012 outbreak in British Columbia related to a frozen berry blend with pomegranate seeds from Egypt. However, there is no evidence at this time that these outbreaks are related to the ongoing U. S. outbreak.

Regulatory Investigation:

On June 3, 2013, Townsend Farms, Inc. of Fairview, Oregon voluntarily recalled certain lots of its frozen Organic Antioxidant Blend because it has the potential to be contaminated with hepatitis A virus.

FDA is inspecting the processing facilities of Townsend Farms of Fairview, Oregon.
By combining information gained from the FDA’s traceback and trace forward investigations and the CDC’s epidemiological investigation, FDA and CDC have determined that the most likely vehicle for the Hepatitis A virus is appears to be a common shipment of pomegranate seeds from Turkey used by Scenic Fruit Company to make the recalled Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels and by Townsend Farms to make the recalled Townsend Farms and Harris Teeter Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend.

The FDA reviewed records and determined that the pomegranate seeds from this shipment were the only ingredient common to all of the recalled Townsend Farms and Harris Teeter Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend.

On June 26, 2013, Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon recalled specific lots of Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels.
Combining information gained from the FDA’s traceback and trace forward investigations and the CDC’s epidemiological investigation, it has been determined that the vehicle for the Hepatitis A virus is a common shipment of pomegranate seeds from Turkey used by Scenic Fruit Company in making the recalled Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels and by Townsend Farms in making Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend

FDA will be working to identify and contact other food processors who may have also received pomegranate seeds from this shipment from Turkey, so that products using these seeds may be recalled.

FDA has finalized a protocol to test berries for the Hepatitis A virus, and is testing samples related to the outbreak for the presence of the virus.

According to the label, the “Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend” frozen berry and pomegranate mix associated with illness contained products originating from the U.S., Argentina, Chile, and Turkey.

At a Glance:

• Cases exposed to ‘Townsend Farms Organic Anti-oxidant Blend’: 127
• States: 8*
• Deaths: 0
• Hospitalizations: 55
• Recall: Yes

*The cases reported from Wisconsin resulted from exposure to the product in California

Vaccine and IG Information:
Hepatitis A Vaccine Schedule
Postexposure Prophylaxis - Use of vaccine and IG
Source for IG

More Information:
Advice to Consumers & Retailers
Hepatitis A Information
Key Resources