WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Food safety regulators from the United States as well Canada are looking into a Hepatitis B outbreak that could be linked to contaminated organic strawberries. The incident has claimed the lives of 17 Americans and 10 Canadians.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, fifteen illnesses were reported in California and one each in Minnesota and North Dakota. The FDA stated that twelve of those infected were admitted to hospital, but did not elaborate further.

According to the FDA, the produce was distributed across the country under FreshKampo and HEB brands between March 5th and April 25th.

It said that people who purchase fresh strawberries, then freeze them to be eaten later should throw them out. These strawberries should be thrown out,” the statement said.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Canada’s Public Health Agency of Canada stated that they are investigating possible cases in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

They stated that the imported strawberries had been purchased between March 5th and 9, and they are not available to purchase in Canada.

The agencies released a statement saying that they have determined that imported organic fresh strawberries were the most likely cause of the outbreak based on their investigations.