Alasko frozen raspberries recalled in 7 provinces over norovirus risk

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning about a recall on certain Alasko brand frozen, whole raspberries sold in seven provinces, due to possible norovirus contamination.

Reported illnesses associated with consumption of recalled products, Canadian Food Inspection Agency says

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning about a recall on certain Alasko brand frozen, whole raspberries sold in seven provinces, due to possible norovirus contamination.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting.

The recall was triggered after an investigation by the agency into a foodborne illness outbreak, according to the advisory, issued this week.

"There have been reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products," it says.

No information about the location of the outbreak or how many people are sick is provided.

The affected products include:

• One-kilogram bags of Alasko whole raspberries (frozen) with the UPC code 6 95058 00205 4.
• Five-kilogram bags (containing five one-kilogram bags) of Alasko IQF whole raspberries with the UPC code 1 069505 800205 1.

Both products have best before dates of Nov. 10, 2027, the code PO#138602, and LOT# SY25314.

They were sold to the general public as well as hotels, restaurants and institutions in the following provinces:

• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Ontario
• Manitoba

"Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products," the advisory says.

Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased.

The agency said it continues to investigate, which may lead to the recall of other products.

It's also verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

What are the symptoms?

People who think they became sick from consuming a recalled product should contact their health-care provider, the agency said.

Norovirus symptoms may start as soon as 12 hours after exposure, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada's website.

In addition to diarrhea, vomiting, the main symptoms are nausea and stomach pain and cramps, it says.

Other symptoms may include low-grade fever, headache, chills, muscle aches and fatigue.

There is no prescription medication to treat norovirus infections, but most people feel better within two to three days, with no long-term health effects.

Diarrhea or vomiting can cause dehydration, however. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends people with norovirus drink plenty of liquids to replace lost body fluids. People with a severe case may need to be hospitalized and given fluids through a needle, it notes.