A class action lawsuit was filed today in New Mexico 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 on behalf of named plaintiff Anthony McConaghy and all other New Mexico residents who received a hepatitis A vaccination or immune globulin injection after eating the Townsend Farms frozen berry blend or who required testing for hepatitis A after consuming the Townsend Farms product.  The lawsuit was filed by Seattle-based Marler Clark

According to the complaint, Anthony McConaghy purchased Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend frozen berry and pomegranate seed mix at a Costco store in Albuquerque.  After learning that the frozen berry and pomegranate seed mix had been identified as the source of a hepatitis A outbreak, Anthony received a prophylactic dose of immune globulin to prevent hepatitis A infection.  The hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin administered prophylactically can prevent or reduce the symptoms of hepatitis A infection if given within 14 days of exposure.