EFSA Report Reveals Potential Risks Related To Strawberries And Raspberries

Raspberries and strawberries have been linked to cases of salmonella and norovirus in recent years, according to a new report by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA).

According to the Metro, new information from the organisation has revealed that 11,000 people suffered norovirus after consuming frozen strawberries in Germany in 2012. In addition, a total of 27 outbreaks across Europe between 2007 and 2011 have been linked to the fruit.

Experts have suggested that contamination could emerge in a number of circumstances, including through the water used to dilute fertiliser or as a result of hygiene issues during the packing or freezing process.

The Food Standards Agency has said that so far no outbreaks have happened or been linked to Britain, while consumers have been reminded to wash any berries before consumption.

Expert Opinion

It is worrying to see this information emerge regarding food safety in relation to very popular summer fruits which are now in season. <br/> <br/>"We would urge consumers and also restaurants and other food outlets to ensure they are bearing this advice in mind across the coming months, with the ultimate aim of trying to ensure that people are protected from the risk of contracting norovirus, salmonella or similar illnesses when consuming these products. <br/> <br/>"Through our work on behalf of illness outbreak victims, we have seen numerous cases when people have developed long-term health issues as a result of such issues – so it is vital that the importance of food safety is never underestimated." Amandeep Dhillon - Partner