An investigation is ongoing by The Public Health Agency of Canada, provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Health Canada after an outbreak of Hepatitis A infections in Quebec and Nova Scotia.
As of July 31, there are three confirmed cases, and individuals became sick between late March and mid June 2021.
Two of the cases are in Quebec, and one in Nova Scotia.
Individuals are between 23 and 63 years of age, and the majority of cases are female.
The CFIA and other Health agencies have identified exposure to frozen mangoes as the likely source.
Two of the individuals who became sick, reported eating mangoes before their illness, and leftovers collected from their homes tested positive for Hepatitis A.
A recall has been issued for various frozen mangoes under several brands. These were distributed in several provinces including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario.
Recalled products
| Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nature’s Touch | Mangoes (frozen) |
2 kg | 8 73668 00180 7 | Best Before 2022 NO 09 |
| Compliments | Mango Mania (frozen) |
600 g | 0 55742 50430 9 | Best Before 2022 NO 10 and 2022 DE 18 |
| Irresistibles | Mango Chunks (frozen) |
600 g | 0 59749 87600 1 | Best Before 2022 NO 10 |
| President’s Choice | Mango Chunks (frozen) |
600 g | 0 60383 99387 0 | Best Before 2022 NO 06 and 2022 NO 10 |
What should you do to protect your health
- If you have recalled frozen mangoes in your home, do not eat them.
- If you suspect you have been exposed to recalled products, or have symptoms consistent for Hepatitis A, see your health care provider immediately. Vaccination can prevent the onset of symptoms if given within 14 days of exposure.
- If you are unsure whether a frozen mango product you have in your home is part of the food recall warning, do not consume it. Secure the product in a plastic bag, throw it out and wash your hands with warm soapy water.
- If you order food and drinks containing frozen mangoes at a restaurant or food establishment, ask the staff whether the mangoes are part of the food recall warning. If they are, or if they don’t know, don’t eat or drink these food products.
- Wash and sanitize any drawers or shelves in fridge and freezer areas where recalled products were stored.
- Wash your hands before and after preparing or eating food, and after using the washroom or changing diapers.
- If you have been diagnosed with Hepatitis A, do not prepare or serve food and drinks to others.
- If you have been exposed to Hepatitis A, it is possible to spread the virus to other people before you experience any symptoms.
Symptoms
Not everyone who is infected will have symptoms. Symptoms are more likely to occur in adults than in children. Symptoms of hepatitis A include:
- fever
- dark urine
- loss of appetite
- fatigue (tiredness)
- nausea and vomiting
- stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
After you have been exposed to hepatitis A, symptoms typically appear 14 to 28 days later, but may occur up to 50 days later.
(Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
(Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
(Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
(Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
(Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
(Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
(Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
(Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
(Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Food Inspection Agency)
