A class action lawsuit was filed yesterday in Hawaii against Townsend Farms, the company whose “Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend” frozen berry and pomegranate seed mix has been identified as the source of a hepatitis A outbreak among residents of several Western states.  The lawsuit was filed by Seattle-based Marler Clark, the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of foodborne illness, on behalf of named plaintiffs Jenabe and Motoko Caldwell and all other Hawaii residents who received hepatitis A vaccination or immune globulin injections to prevent hepatitis A infection after eating the Townsend Farms frozen berry blend.  The lawsuit is also brought on behalf of all individuals who required testing for hepatitis A after consuming the Townsend Farms product.

According to the complaint, Jenabe and Motoko Caldwell purchased Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend frozen berry and pomegranate seed mix at a Costco store in Kahului, Hawaii on April 13, 2013.  Both named plaintiffs received immune globulin injections after becoming aware that the frozen berry and pomegranate seed mix they had purchased was being recalled for potential hepatitis A contamination.  The hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin injections administered prophylactically can prevent or reduce the symptoms of hepatitis A infection if given within 14 days of exposure.