CDC: Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked To Smoothie Shop

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning customers of a chain smoothie shop of possible exposure to Hepatitis A.

Dozens of people have contracted Hepatitis A due to an outbreak linked to frozen strawberries served at Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

The company said it has since switched to a different strawberry supplier, launched a top-to-bottom review of its food sourcing and safety practices, and strengthened its food safety training and certification processes for employees.

The CDC says 89 people have been sickened in seven states, including in New York. There are at least 18 Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations on Long Island and Staten Island.

"To those who have become ill after eating at one of our cafes, we are deeply sorry," the company said in a statement. "We hope you recover quickly and completely."

The virus causes liver inflammation. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, stomach pain, dark-colored urine and a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It can take up to 50 days for symptoms to appear.