Washington-grown berries recalled for Norovirus concern

BELLINGHAM — A recall was issued for frozen berries manufactured at a farm near Lynden amid potential exposure to Norovirus, federal food regulators said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and WinCo Foods issued the recall Friday for frozen berries manufactured at Rader Farms and distributed at WinCo Foods stores in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington, the Bellingham Herald reported.

The announcement came after the agency sampled and tested multiple products and found them to be contaminated.

Norovirus is a highly contagious bug that causes diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms and can spread quickly in public places.

Older people, young children and the immunocompromised could develop prolonged or more severe symptoms, federal officials said. No customer illnesses have been reported yet.

Three products were listed on the warning, including 16-ounce bags of WinCo Frozen Blackberries and Winco Frozen Berry Medley and 32-ounce bags of Winco Frozen Berry Medley, officials said. Each has a best-by date of Dec. 9, 2021.

Anyone who purchased any of the products is encouraged to destroy or return them to WinCo for a refund.