The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an important initiative to prevent contamination of fresh and frozen berries with dangerous viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A. These viruses can contaminate berries due to manual harvesting practices, poor handling, and freezing methods that don’t eliminate the pathogens.
Berries are vulnerable because they’re often picked by hand or in bulk, making it easy for germs to spread. In fact, contaminated frozen berries have been linked to outbreaks of enteric infections like hepatitis A in recent years. The FDA’s new measures aim to address these risks at every stage of berry production, from farm to table.
Key strategies include improving worker hygiene, ensuring proper washing facilities, preventing cross-contamination, monitoring sick workers, and investing in research to better understand how viruses attach to berries or are removed. While the FDA’s efforts represent a step forward, experts note that post-harvest interventions remain limited due to the delicate nature of berries.
For consumers, while this initiative won’t change how they shop for berries, it does provide reassurance about public health safety. The FDA is also encouraging consumers to wash berries thoroughly and buy from reputable sources before consumption.
This move by the FDA could significantly reduce the risk of future outbreaks, despite challenges in protecting against contamination throughout the production process.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/01/fda-announced-fresh-and-frozen-berries