Norovirus : chilean blueberries contamination

In 2014, 2% of all virus contaminated products, identified through RASFF, were concerning blueberries.

Norovirus and Fruits

62% of the virus contaminated products (RASFF) were due to norovirus in 2014.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can infect anyone. You can get it from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed. This leads you to have stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea and to throw up. [Source CDC]

Food-borne viruses and Food

In 2014, EFSA published a Scientific Opinion on the risk posed by pathogens in food of non-animal origin. Part 2 (Salmonella and Norovirus in berries). 

…Microbiological criteria for Norovirus in berries are useful for validation and verification of food safety management systems, including HACCP-based processes and procedures… [Source EFSA]

Food-borne viruses and Chile

Since 2006, Chilean fruits have been implicated in 7 RASFF Alerts, Information or Border Rejection, all blueberries, raspberries or berry mix. 

 

Both Hepatitis A virus and norovirus were detected in Chilean fruits.

Food-borne norovirus and RASFF

In 2015, 12 alerts have been registered in the RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed), and 25% (3 out of 12) are implicating Berries.

Learn more about food-borne virus detection at www.Ceeramtools.com