KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — Costco Taiwan is grappling with renewed food safety anxieties as its frozen strawberries have been discovered to be tainted with Hepatitis A, marking the third incident involving their frozen berry products.
Sales of the contaminated strawberries were suspended on April 30, yet 1,513 packs had already been sold nationwide.
In response to this incident, health bureaus in multiple regions have issued text message alerts to the public, urging them to remain vigilant regarding their health.
Originating from Mexico, this specific batch of frozen strawberries, branded as "Kirkland Signature Grade A Fancy Strawberries," had an initial stock of 1,546 packs. It was made available in the market from March 8 to April 30.
Only 33 packs remain in inventory, indicating that 1,513 items were sold across the country. On May 5, the Kaohsiung Health Bureau issued a recall request.
The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that Costco's branches in Taiwan have recalled a total of 24,089.54 kg of Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend, 23,676.14 kg of Kirkland Signature Whole Blueberries, and 1,402.64 kg of Kirkland Signature Grade A Fancy Strawberries.
Costco has apologized to consumers, acknowledging the concerns raised among its members. However, the issue of Hepatitis A contamination within the berry products persists, with a new case reported in Tainan.
The FDA has demanded that Costco provide additional information on the contamination issue and submit a comprehensive report by May 31.
