The FDA has introduced a new strategy to prevent foodborne illnesses linked to enteric viruses in fresh and frozen berries. This approach aims to enhance global berry industry practices by promoting safety measures, improving virus understanding, and encouraging compliance with FDA guidelines. Key elements include promoting high sanitation standards during harvesting, increasing awareness about virus detection and mitigation, incentivizing public health programs for worker health, and fostering collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders.
In a statement, FDA Director Conrad Choiniere emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration to ensure the success of this strategy in preventing foodborne illnesses.
Source: https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/01/imported-berries-have-been-spreading-disease-what-the-fda-is-doing-about-it.html