SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today warned consumers not to eat Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels as they may be linked to a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections.

Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Ore., announced on June 26 that it was voluntarily recalling Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels, because it has the potential to be contaminated with the Hepatitis A virus.

No illnesses have been associated with Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels at this time.

The outbreak investigation associated with Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend berries identified the pomegranate seeds in the blend as the likely source of the contamination.

The same pomegranate seeds were also used by the Scenic Fruit Company in their bags of Woodstock Frozen Organic Pomegranate Kernels.

“People who have bought this product should discard it if still found in their home,” said Dr. Ron Chapman, CDPH Director and State Health Officer. “Anyone who has consumed this specific product in the last 14 days should contact their doctor to discuss possible hepatitis A prevention and treatment options.”

This product is sold throughout California, and CDPH is working with the Food and Drug Administration and local public health officials to remove the product from store shelves.

The following link leads to a list of retailers identified as receiving the affected product: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pubsforms/documents/fdbFrSCE1d.pdf .

Retailers who have received the affected shipments in Lake County include Hardester’s Markets in Cobb, Middletown and Hidden Valley Lake.

Symptoms of Hepatitis A virus infection include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Symptoms develop two to six weeks after consuming contaminated food or drink and can last from one week to several months.

Most people recover completely, but sometimes hepatitis A can lead to hospitalization and severe illness. It is very important that if you experience symptoms that you do not go to work, especially if you work in food service, health care or child care.

For more details see the CDPH fact sheet, http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Documents/CDCHepAGeneralFactSheet.pdf .

Additional details on this ongoing outbreak can be found on the CDPH Web site, http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/immunize/Pages/CommunicableDiseaseOutbreaks.aspx , and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/Outbreaks/2013/A1b-03-31/index.html .

People who develop symptoms of hepatitis should consult their health care provider. For more information on hepatitis A, visit http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/Outbreaks/2013/A1b-03-31/advice-consumers.html .