WinCo Foods, LLC in Boise, Idaho: Recall on Frozen Berries Due to Norovirus
WinCo Foods, LLC, located in Boise, Idaho has issued a recall on 16-ounce bags of frozen blackberries, and their 16-ounce and 32-ounce bags of frozen berry medley due to a concern that the products could be contaminated with Norovirus. The frozen blackberries and berry medley were manufactured by Rader Farms in Lynden, WA, and distributed to WinCo Foods grocery stores in multiple states including: Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Utah. The packaged frozen blackberries and berry medley included in the recall are:
WinCo Foods frozen blackberries, 16 OZ. BAG – UPC: 70552-30502 with the “Best By” date of December 9, 2021. WinCo Foods frozen berry medley, 16 OZ. bag a UPC number 70552-30522 with the “best by” date of December 9, 2021 and the 32-ounce bag, a UPC number 70552-30512 and a “Best By” Code of December 9, 2021.
WinCo Food removed the affected recalled frozen berries from shelves on March 13, 2020 and there are no reports of illnesses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered the Norovirus contamination during routine testing. Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus, and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is the leading cause of foodborne illness. Norovirus can be easily transmitted through food or water as well as close contact with someone infected with the virus. The CDC also explains that fruit and vegetables have the potential to be contaminated in the field. Symptoms of Norovirus include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, and diarrhea. In healthy individuals, symptoms usually pass after 48 hours, however in the elderly, young people, and immunocompromised peoples, symptoms could be more severe.
The FDA stated that the WinCo Foods company is complying to the recall and asks consumers to dispose of the frozen blackberries and berry medley if the contaminated bags have been purchased or return the frozen bags to the place of purchase
