Blackberries and Norovirus

Blackberries from Serbia contaminated with Norovirus and sold to several European countries as well as the US, according to a RASFF report dated August 18th, 2015.

Blackberries Production

The largest blackberry production regions are Mexico, Europe (particularly Serbia), and the USA (particularly Oregon) where the predominant types grown are erect, semi-erect, and trailing, respectively. Erect blackberries are generally grown in hand-harvested fresh market production systems. (Source : FAO)

Norovirus and Berries

Blackberries, Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries account for 35% of RASFF seventeen alerts in 2015 for contamination with norovirus. (Source : RASFF)