The Boise, Idaho, USA-headquartered WinCo Foods supermarket chain is recalling frozen blackberries in 16 oz. (454g) bags in addition to frozen Berry Medley packs of strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries in 16 oz. and 32 oz. bags, supplied by Rader Farms of Lynden, Washington. The action followed FDA testing which found that a sample was contaminated with Norovirus.
Typical symptoms of the highly contagious gastrointestinal infection caused by Norovirus are vomiting, watery, non-bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea. Systemic manifestations include fever, myalgia and malaise, anorexia, and headache. Although most symptoms end within 48 hours, the elderly, young children and immuno-compromised persons may develop prolonged or more severe symptoms.
The retailer has removed the recalled the private label products from store shelves. The berries were distributed to WinCo Foods stores in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, Texas and Utah.
The UPC numbers and Best By Codes for the WinCo Foods store brand products subject to recall, located on the front of the package near the product image, are as follows:
- 16 oz. Blackberries – UPC 70552-30502; Best By Date Dec/09/2021
- 16 oz. Berry Medley – UPC 70552-30522; Best By Date Dec/09/2021
- 32 oz. Berry Medley – UPC 70552-30512: Best By Date Dec/09/2021.
No customer illnesses have been reported thus far. Consumers who have purchased the products are urged to destroy or return them to the stores for a full refund. Persons with questions may contact the company’s service department by telephoning 1-800-824-1706.
