FDA: Tainted food caused hepatitis outbreak in five states

Eleven of 17 individuals questioned by the CDC said they recalled eating Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend, a mix of frozen berries and pomegranate seeds.

“We are moving quickly to learn as much as possible and prevent additional people from becoming ill,” the FDA said on its website.

{mosads}The federal agencies are working with local public health departments in Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and California, where the outbreaks have occurred.

A statement from the California Department of Public Health indicates that Costco is the only retailer that purchased the Townsend Farms product.

Most people who contract hepatitis A – an infection that attacks liver function – are able to fully recover with proper treatment, but there is a possibility of liver failure in those with already-weak livers or immune systems.

There have been no reported deaths.