Norovirus in frozen fruits

In 2014, 15% of all virus contaminated products, identified through RASFF, were concerning FRUITS, among which Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Berry Mix.

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 Serbia

Since 2009, Serbian fruits have been implicated in 22 RASFF Alerts, Information or Border Rejection, all raspberries or berry mix. 

In 2010 Serbia accounted for more than 55 percent of the entire EU production and around 22 percent of global production of raspberries and it remains the largest exporter of raspberries globally (around 80-85 percent of raspberry production is intended for export, mainly frozen in bulk). [Source FAO]

Food-borne norovirus and RASFF

In 2015, 11 alerts have been registered in the RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed), and 18% (2 out of 11) are implicating Raspberries produced in Serbia.

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