Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries have been linked to hepatitis A (HAV) and norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. for more than three decades. Now, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to enhance the safety of our produce. The agency is introducing a new approach to reduce the risk of virus contamination in these beloved berries. According to FDA spokesperson Janell Goodwin, the agency is addressing the underlying causes of the issue.
While the majority of fresh and frozen berries consumed in the U.S. are safe, enteric virus outbreaks have been associated with imported berries since 1997,” Goodwin tells Delish. The FDA’s report reveals that between 1997 and 2016, there were at least three HAV outbreaks and one norovirus outbreak connected to frozen berries in the U.S. Additionally, the FDA investigated HAV infections in 2022 and 2023, both linked to fresh organic strawberries.
The new strategy involves implementing food safety and sanitation practices on a global scale, not just in the U.S. This plan outlines steps for the FDA, industry, and stakeholders to ensure effective communication and contamination prevention measures in the berry industry worldwide. It aims to expand scientific knowledge on viruses in berries and enhance compliance with FDA safety regulations.
Collaboration between regulators, the global berry industry, and stakeholders has been crucial in developing this strategy. The FDA looks forward to ongoing collaboration to ensure the success of this and other strategies for preventing foodborne illnesses,” stated Conrad Choiniere, Director of the Office of Microbiological Food Safety at the FDA’s Human Food Program (HFP).
To safeguard yourself, thoroughly vet your berries and opt for domestic producers over imports. Rinse your berries in cold water and consider soaking them in a baking soda solution for added safety. Alternatively, enjoy your berries in baked goods, where the “kill step” in the cooking process eliminates the risk of viruses.
Advertisements, yogurts, and smoothies are items that should be carefully considered. However, surprisingly, opting for cake for breakfast may actually be a healthier choice! In addition to this unconventional breakfast option, there are a number of extra precautions that can be taken to protect oneself against illness. Goodwin recommends washing fruits and vegetables with clean hands, removing any damaged or bruised sections, rinsing all produce under flowing water, and drying them with a clean cloth or paper towel to further minimize the presence of harmful pathogens. In addition to these steps, there are also a variety of easy weeknight dinner recipes and delicious vodka cocktail ideas that you might want to consider trying out.
