FRESH, ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATITIS A INFECTIONS
The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) is providing information regarding an outbreak of hepatitis A cases in the United States associated with fresh, organic strawberries. One case linked to this outbreak has been reported in North Dakota. The individual was hospitalized and has since recovered.
The FDA, along with CDC, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, state, and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections in the United States and Canada potentially linked to fresh, organic strawberries. Currently, the potentially affected product is past its shelf life. People who purchased FreshKampo and HEB fresh organic strawberries between March 5, 2022, and April 25, 2022, and then froze those strawberries for later consumption should not eat them. These products were sold nationwide at the following retailers, including, but not limited to:
Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Weis Markets, WinCo Foods.
“If you are unsure of what brand you purchased, when you purchased your strawberries, or where you purchased them from prior to freezing them, the strawberries should be thrown away,” said Molly Howell, immunization director at the NDDoH.
If consumers purchased fresh organic strawberries branded as FreshKampo or HEB between March 5, 2022, and April 25, 2022, ate those berries in the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A infection do not require PEP.
To report cases of hepatitis, please call 701-328-2378 or 1-800-472-2180.
NEW LIFE CENTER OPENED NEW THRIFT STORE MAY 30
FARGO – New Life Center opened the doors of a second thrift store at 5556 51st Avenue South in Fargo on Monday. This new store features more than 15,000 square feet of retail space full of gently used clothing, household items, and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday.
One hundred percent of the profits from New Life Center Thrift Store go directly to the mission to sustain programs and services for people experiencing homelessness. This includes case management, housing readiness, job skills training, addiction recovery, and medical respite. New Life Center is also the largest provider of free clothing and household goods to individuals and families experiencing hardship in the community.
“The continued growth of our thrift store operations is vital to our ministry. Every donated item is turned into sustainable funding for the programs and services that help people in need right here in our community,” stated CEO Rob Swiers.
Donations of clothing, wearable shoes, and household items are accepted at this new location from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 5 p.m. on Saturdays. New Life Center Thrift Store has dozens of easy drop-off donation bins throughout Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo and offers free donation pick up. For more information, visit FargoNLC.org/Thrift or call 701-235-4453.
9TH ANNUAL MOORHEAD FARMERS MARKET OPENED TUESDAY
MOORHEAD – Moorhead Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the 9th Annual Moorhead Farmers Market! Throughout the summer you will be able to enjoy fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, jams, salsa, meats, hand-crafted items, plants, dog treats, and more! With new and returning vendors, live music, and additional on-site activities the Farmers Market is primed for an exciting summer for people of all ages.
Tuesdays: May 31-September 27, 3:00-6:00 pm. at the Hjemkomst Center Parking Lot, 202 1st Ave N
The Moorhead Farmers Market accepts SNAP benefits that allow individuals an opportunity to shop local with their SNAP/EBT Cards. Using these benefits at the Market comes with an added perk of Double Bucks that allows shoppers to double their benefits up to $10 for SNAP eligible foods. New this year, an additional dollar for dollar match up to $10, called Produce Bucks, will be given to spend on produce items. That means a $10 swipe on the EBT Card will get participants $30 to spend on fresh local foods. The SNAP program at the Moorhead Farmers Market is run by First Presbyterian Church with contributions from PartnerSHIP 4 Health, and Hunger Solutions.
The Power of Produce (PoP) Club will also be back this summer. This year kids ages 4-12, and individuals 55+ are eligible to receive $2 worth of token (while funding lasts) to spend on produce items. Participants can register onsite or online. Funding from Essentia Health and the University of MN Extension allows offering these programs.