Outbreak Summary
OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers are investigating a new multistate outbreak of Hepatitis A that public health officials have linked to fresh conventional (non-organic) blackberries sold at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market and Woodman’s Markets. The outbreak has sickened individuals in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin so far. This is a developing situation, and this page will update as events unfold.
More Details
OFT Food Safety Lawyers are actively investigating a multistate Hepatitis A outbreak linked to fresh conventional (non-organic) blackberries sold at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market and Woodman’s Market locations. According to current reports, at least 18 people have been sickened across Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.
Preliminary traceback data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration indicates the contaminated blackberries may have been distributed to stores in at least 11 states, including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
The FDA is urging consumers who purchased fresh blackberries from Fresh Thyme Farmers Market or Woodman’s Market between September 9 and September 30 to discard the product immediately to reduce the risk of Hepatitis A infection.
Anyone who believes they may have consumed blackberries purchased from Fresh Thyme Farmers Market during the identified timeframe should consider seeking medical attention, especially if they have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis A.
Medical professionals may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a preventive treatment that can reduce the risk of developing Hepatitis A. PEP is most effective when administered shortly after exposure and may still be beneficial even if symptoms have not yet appeared.
Prompt action is critical following potential exposure to contaminated food linked to a Hepatitis A outbreak.
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It spreads primarily through ingestion of contaminated food or water, often due to microscopic traces of infected fecal matter.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may develop several weeks after exposure. Common signs of Hepatitis A infection include:
If you consumed potentially contaminated blackberries and begin experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and care can help reduce complications and prevent the spread of infection.
OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers is a national law firm with extensive experience handling foodborne illness outbreaks, including cases involving contaminated produce and Hepatitis A exposure.
If you or a loved one may have been affected by this outbreak, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact our team today to learn how we can assist you in pursuing compensation and holding responsible parties accountable.