Image by Bruno from Pixabay
Both norovirus and hepatitis A virus contamination in berries has been a big problem in imported products lately. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hopes to solve this issue with a global prevention strategy. A strategy aimed at making imported berries safer for the American consumer by promoting preventative strategies for importers.
Here’s the situation right now on norovirus and hepatitis A virus contamination in berries right now.
Outbreaks involving domestic virus contamination in berries have not been reported in 35 years, says the FDA. However, imported fresh and frozen berries have been the source of more recent outbreaks. With the most recent being in 2022 and 2023.
A joint expert panel was assembled in 2023. Participants from the Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations and the World Health Organization placed norovirus and hepatitis A virus contamination in berries (frozen) as one of the “highest global health burden” virus-commodity pairs, labeling it a high public health concern.
During this research on previous outbreak investigations, the panel identified certain factors and gaps in food safety programs likely contributing to virus contamination in berries across the globe. They consulted with industry food safety experts to focus in on areas to better understand and manage enteric virus risk in berries.
Since the primary risk, and therefore focus is placed on norovirus and hepatitis A virus. Let’s first understand what they are, and how berries may become contaminated.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common settings for norovirus outbreaks involve healthcare facilities, restaurants, catered events, schools, childcare centers, and cruise ships.
However, food may also be contaminated at the source. For example, the farm or distribution network.
If you have had a stomach bug that seemed to pass around your family or friend group, you probably had norovirus.
And you are not alone.
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. In fact, according to the CDC, this bad bug is responsible for 58% of the foodborne infections acquired in the country each year.
It doesn’t take much to get sick with norovirus. It is highly contagious. Health experts say you can become infected with as few as 10 viral particles.
The virus is often spread further by people who are already infected. When someone consumes contaminated food, they become sick. It can then be spread to others around them.
This can be done by sharing food or eating utensils. But most commonly by eating after touching contaminated surfaces or consuming food touched by someone who is already infected and didn’t wash their hands.
How is norovirus spread?
Unlike the actual flu or other respiratory viruses, norovirus is spread through the feces of an infected person.
Remember how I said it only takes a few viral particles to get sick? This means even trace amounts that you cannot see, smell, and either fortunately or unfortunately, taste can get you sick.
Contaminated irrigation water can cause widespread illness. Especially if produce is not effectively washed prior to eating it.
Most people begin feeling symptoms within 12 to 48 hours of exposure.
Common symptoms of norovirus infection include:
Most people recover within one to three days. You are most contagious and likely to transmit your illness to others while you are feeling sick through the first few days of feeling better.
The hepatitis A virus is a vaccine-preventable, short-term infection. While it does not generally become a chronic illness, these infections can lead to more severe health problems. Namely, liver failure.
Just like norovirus, hepatitis A is also spread through fecal-oral route. Also with trace amounts serving effectively as an infectious dose.
The virus is easily spread because people begin shedding viral particles before they even know they are sick and long after they feel better. Making it a tricky illness to contain.
Not everyone infected with the hepatitis A virus will be symptomatic. In some cases, children do not experience symptoms at all. Despite having no symptoms, the infected individual may still be infectious while shedding the virus.
Common symptoms include:
Symptoms often begin around two to seven weeks after exposure. Most of the time, people feel better in less than two months, however some may remain sick for as long as six months.
According to the report, contamination events often occur due to lapses in food safety symptoms and prevention methods. Primary areas of concern include field worker hygiene, availability and management of sanitary facilities, and other measures preventing cross-contamination of fruit in the field to processing operations.
According to the report, more research is also needed on the subject.
“Further investigation is needed to better understand viral persistence in the agricultural environment, the processing environment, and in the berries; routes of contamination; and public health factors.”
So. What are they proposing?
Several levels of participation and partnership are needed to bring these prevention strategies to light. The FDA, industry, and other interest holders must be involved and effectively communicate.
Key aspects of the virus contamination in berries prevention strategy include:
It won’t be easy. And it will take cooperation to build on these strategies for effective application.
So. Will it work?
That’s the big question.
The human factor is the wild card.
Increasing safety measures sure can’t hurt. But most of the time it is those lapses in existing protocols where things go wrong. You can have all of the measures in place. But it requires everything to be done every time by everyone.
If you have become sick with norovirus or hepatitis A virus from contaminated berries, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
The firm has successfully won millions of dollars in food contamination and product liabilities claims representing families with cases just like yours.
Call (833) 330-3663 today for a free, no-obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation. Or fill out the online submission form and someone will get back with you soon.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
Foodborne risk for bird flu may be less of a risk than previously thought. But…
Two outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in Orange County California have recently surfaced. One in the…
Concerns over Legionnaires’ disease in Baltimore grow as an inmate is diagnosed with the illness.…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing a new change to nutritional facts…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a request for information from two…
The typically foodborne illness, Cronobacter, has been added to the nationally notifiable conditions list. Largely…