Alberta Health Services is warning consumers that the Hepatitis A virus has been detected in a sample of Western Family brand fresh pineapple chunks sold in ready-to-go cups at Save-On-Foods, Overwaitea Foods and PriceSmart Food stores in Alberta and B.C.

AHS says that the product was not sold at the Save-On-Foods store in Airdrie and was only sold at one store in Calgary, at 155 Walden Gate S.E.  The other Alberta Save-On-Foods that sold the pineapple are located in Lethbridge, Edmonton, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray.

Current information is that the cups were produced on August 12 and had a best before date of August 19.  AHS says their investigation is ongoing and additional products and stores could be identified.

At this time, the risk of infection is considered to be low and no one has reported getting sick.  

Individuals who believe they may have consumed the pineapple product are encouraged to call Health Link by dialing 811.  

Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused by a virus that is common in the developing world.  Illness can occur within 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus, but usually within 28 to 30 days. Individuals can be infectious one to two weeks before symptoms occur until at least one week after the onset of illness.

If you develop symptoms of Hepatitis A, you should contact your family doctor immediately. Symptoms include: tiredness; poor appetite; nausea and vomiting, and; abdominal pain and fever.

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