URGENT: Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked to Two Common Foods
By
Natalie Moore
Posted August 27, 2016
Dear Reader,
Severe stomach pains, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fevers, liver failure and death.
If you don’t want to experience any of these symptoms, then put down your fork and keep reading.
Last week, the FDA recalled three different lots of a common frozen food because it was contaminated with hepatitis A, which can cause all of the aforementioned symptoms.
But the truly nasty part is how this horrifying and sometimes deadly virus got into this food — human feces.
Yep. Other people’s poop is in your food, and it could make you very sick. More on how that happens in just a bit.
Skip the Scallops… and Strawberries
The food we’re talking about in this particular case is frozen scallops.
Fortunately, these scallops, produced by Sea Port Products Corp., weren’t sold to consumers. This means these diseased mollusks aren’t hanging out in your freezer.
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of the danger zone.
Fully 206 people have already become ill with hepatitis A from eating the contaminated scallops at a sushi restaurant. And it’s thought that all cases are in only in the state of Hawaii. However, the tainted scallops were also shipped to California and Nevada.
The FDA and Sea Port Products are working together to pull the contaminated lots off the shelves. The lot numbers are 5885, 5886 and 5887.
If you live in Hawaii, Nevada or California, you should ask restaurants where their scallops came from before eating them.
Though cutting scallops from your diet might not be the only change you need to make to avoid catching hepatitis A from your food.
This week, on the other side of the country, 23 cases of hepatitis A were linked to Tropical Smoothie Cafes in Virginia. The Virginia Health Department thinks the questionable strawberries are from Egypt. Tropical Smoothie’s CEO reports that all strawberries suspected to be contaminated were removed from the stores.
In both cases, it’s unclear where or how the contamination started. It’s possible that the food was grown in or harvested from areas contaminated with sewage. But it’s also possible that unsanitary working conditions, poor worker hygiene, or improper handling of the foods could’ve caused the contamination.
Hepatitis A symptoms may not occur for up to 50 days after initial contact. If you show any signs of hepatitis A illness, you should seek medical attention and avoid contact with others as much as possible. If you work in food service, you should not go to work.
And while there is no way to know what happened to your food before you purchase it, the spread of hepatitis A can be prevented by frequent handwashing with soap and water after using the restroom or changing diapers and prior to handling and preparing food.
In addition, be sure to thoroughly rinse produce before consuming and clean prep areas after use, especially if used for seafood, meat or poultry.
If you have questions about food safety, you can call the FDA information line at 1-888-SAFEFOOD, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily Insider
Sources
[1] Outbreak of hepatitis A in Hawaii linked to raw scallops
[2] Hepatitis A cases linked to Tropical Smoothie Cafe rise to 28 in Virginia
[3] Egypt investigates strawberry link to Hepatitis A cases in U.S.
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...
Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk
We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...
Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It
Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....
Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal
Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...
Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple
Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....
Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom
From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...
The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory
Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...