Oregon Strawberry Commission Guides Consumers to Safe Strawberry Consumption Post-Recall

PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire - Aug 8, 2011) - The Oregon Strawberry Commission is offering guidance for Oregon consumers of fresh fruits after Oregon Public Health officials identified fresh strawberries from a Newberg farm as the source of a cluster of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections that sickened at least 10 people last month, including one person who died.

"We express the deepest sympathy and concern for those affected by the recall of Oregon strawberries," said Laura Conroy of the Oregon Strawberry Commission.

The strawberries were harvested last month by Jaquith Strawberry Farm located at 23135 SW Jaquith Road in Newberg. Jaquith finished its strawberry season in late July, and its strawberries are no longer on the market. Jaquith sold its strawberries to buyers who then resold them at roadside stands and farmer's markets. Jaquith strawberries were not sold in grocery stores.

Conroy also said, "This is an extremely isolated incident limited to one farm and the contaminated strawberries are no longer on the market."

Health officials are urging consumers who may have purchased strawberries grown on this farm to throw them out. Strawberries that have been frozen or made into uncooked jam are of particular concern and consumers should also throw these items out. Cooking kills E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.

None of the following have been implicated in this outbreak:

• Berries other than strawberries.
• Strawberries sold since Aug. 1.
• Strawberries sold south of Benton County or east of Multnomah County.
• Strawberries sold in supermarkets including bags of frozen berries.
• Strawberries picked at Jaquith Strawberry Farm's U-pick field.

While this recall is isolated to Jaquith Farms, consumers should always take the following precautions with any uncooked produce:

1. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
2. Keep fruits and vegetables and other raw food separated from cooked food.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling raw foods, as well as before eating, after using the toilet, and after changing diapers.

About the Oregon Strawberry Commission
The Oregon Strawberry Commission (OSC) is a commodity commission that represents approximately 100 Oregon strawberry growers. The OSC serves Oregon's strawberry industry by identifying markets for strawberry promotion and education and by implementing and supporting programs to increase strawberry consumption.