Kroger stores in Georgia and across the nation have recalled three frozen berry products because of a possible health risk of Hepatitis A. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension urges consumers to take this recall seriously, as the virus can cause serious health issues.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the recalled products are the 16-ounce and 48-ounce Private Selection Frozen Triple Berry Medley and the 16-ounce Private Selection Frozen Blackberries, all manufactured by Townsend Farms.

If you have Kroger frozen berries in your homes, check the codes to avoid potential exposure to hepatitis A, as the virus can survive frozen storage. The hepatitis A virus causes a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the pathogen, including from food.

Hepatitis A can cause a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. Illness generally occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool.

A hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to contaminated food.

Those who may have eaten the affected berry product should consult with their health care professional or local health department to determine whether a vaccination is appropriate. Consumers with symptoms of hepatitis A should contact their health care professionals or the local health department immediately.

In rare cases, especially in consumers with a pre-existing severe illness or who are immune compromised, hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure.