Scenic Fruit Company Recalls Pomegranate Kernels

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment today announced a nationwide voluntary recall by Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, OR of its Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels in eight-ounce bags. The recall was issued due to the possible contamination of the product with Hepatitis A virus.

No illnesses are currently associated with Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels. The company’s decision to voluntarily recall products is made in response to an ongoing outbreak investigation by the FDA and CDC.

The product was shipped to distribution centers around the country as well as in Colorado February 2013 through May 2013. In Durango the product was provided to Nature’s Oasis and Vitamin Cottage (Natural Grocers).  Product was provided to the following retail locations in Colorado: Albertson’s locations in Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Louisville, Northglenn, Thornton; Nature’s
Pantry in Buena Vista; Nooch Vegan Market in Denver; Peppercorn in Boulder; Sunshine Market in Salida; Alfalfa’s in Boulder; B and F Superfoods in Nederland; Bamboo Market and Market on the Mountain in Steamboat Springs; Clark’s Market in Aspen; Don’s Market in Paonia; Gunnison Vitamin & Health; Lolita’s in Boulder; Mile High Organics in Denver; Mountain Naturals in Woodland Park; Village Market Edwards,
and Vitamin Cottage locations throughout the state.

The following lots are subject to this recall:

C 0129 (A,B, or C) 035 with a best by date of 02/04/2015
C 0388 (A,B, or C) 087 with a best by date of 03/28/2015
C 0490 (A,B, or C) 109 with a best by date of 04/19/2015

Twenty-five cases of hepatitis A infection have been identified in Colorado residents associated with Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berry mix, which also contained pomegranate kernels from the same original source. The organic pomegranates are imported from Turkey. To date no illnesses have been associated with the Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels. The state health department is asking people to check their freezers. If you have the product, dispose of it. Do not eat it.

The risk of contracting hepatitis A from eating the Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels is unknown. However, if you have eaten Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels during the past 14 days, you can contact your medical provider for a shot to prevent illness.

If you do not have a medical provider, contact your local Health Department.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. In rare cases, the infection can lead to liver failure, particularly in individuals who have a pre-existing liver disease or weakened immune systems. Illness generally occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool. It is very important if you have these symptoms that you do not go to work, especially if you work in food service, health care or child care.

Consumers can contact the Scenic Fruit Company at 1-877-927-3434 or email to info@scenicfruit.com from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PDT. For more information, please visit the CDC website, or call COHelp at 1-877-462-2911 or 303-389-1687. COHelp is available 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Colorado Department of Public Health.
Pagosa Daily Post.