The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a warning regarding a recall of specific Alasko brand frozen whole raspberries sold in seven provinces due to potential norovirus contamination. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus known to cause symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
The recall was initiated following an investigation by the agency into a foodborne illness outbreak. The advisory released this week mentions reported illnesses linked to the consumption of these products. Details regarding the outbreak location or the number of affected individuals are not disclosed.
The affected items include one-kilogram bags of Alasko whole raspberries (frozen) with the UPC code 6 95058 00205 4 and five-kilogram bags (containing five one-kilogram bags) of Alasko IQF whole raspberries with the UPC code 1 069505 800205 1. Both products have a best before date of Nov. 10, 2027, the code PO#138602, and LOT# SY25314.
These products were sold to the general public, hotels, restaurants, and institutions in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba.
Consumers are advised not to consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute the recalled products. Recalled items should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase. The agency is actively investigating and may expand the recall to other products while ensuring that the recalled items are removed from the market.
Symptoms of norovirus usually manifest within 12 hours of exposure and include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, cramps, low-grade fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. While there is no specific medication for norovirus, most individuals recover within two to three days without long-term health consequences. However, dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting may occur, and affected individuals are advised to consume plenty of fluids. Severe cases may require hospitalization for fluid replacement.
It is important to note that norovirus infections can recur, and individuals experiencing symptoms after consuming the recalled products should seek medical attention promptly.