FDA Unveils New Measures to Combat Virus Contamination in Fresh and Frozen Berries

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a comprehensive plan targeting the contamination of fresh and frozen berries by norovirus and hepatitis A. These viruses, increasingly found in berry products, pose significant health risks, prompting enhanced efforts to improve sanitation and prevent outbreaks early.

Berries Under International Watch

Renowned for their nutritional value, berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are vulnerable to contamination due to their delicate nature and frequent hand-picking. These factors complicate maintaining rigorous food safety protocols during harvesting and processing.

This concern extends beyond U.S. borders. In 2024, an expert panel assembled by the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared contaminated frozen berries a significant global health threat. The FDA’s latest approach underscores the need for proactive strategies in a globally linked food supply chain to protect consumers from illness caused by both imported and domestic berries.

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The Vulnerability of Berries Explained

The FDA’s initiative primarily addresses norovirus, the foremost cause of foodborne infections in the U.S., and hepatitis A, which leads to serious liver complications in at-risk individuals. Both viruses are highly contagious and often spread via contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

A significant factor increasing the risk is the manual harvesting process. Workers handling berries who are unwell or neglect hygiene protocols can easily contaminate the fruit. Food safety specialist Dr. Benjamin Chapman from North Carolina State University highlights that field worker contamination has historically been a major source of outbreaks.

Furthermore, freezing the fruit does not eliminate these viruses; norovirus remains infectious after prolonged freezing.

Since berries are fragile, conventional commercial washing often damages them. “If you try to wash, say, a raspberry in any commercial way, you end up with pulp,” explains Chapman.

Past Incidents Prompt Regulatory Actions

No incidents involving U.S.-grown berries linked to enteric viruses have been reported in the last 35 years. However, imported berries tell a different story. Several hepatitis A outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to foreign fresh and frozen berries in recent years.

The latest, spanning 2022 and 2023, involved organic strawberries from Baja Mexico and resulted in 10 reported cases and four hospitalizations in states such as California and Hawaii, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Highlights of the FDA’s Contamination Prevention Plan

The newly unveiled FDA strategy aims to curb contamination risks across all phases of berry production. Essential actions include:

Enhancing worker hygiene: Implementing stringent sanitation practices for harvest laborers.
Upgrading sanitary infrastructure: Ensuring that washing and restroom facilities meet higher standards for both farm and processing staff.
Reducing cross-contamination: Establishing protocols to prevent fruit contact with contaminated water or surfaces.
Monitoring employee health: Strengthening screening and exclusion policies for symptomatic workers.

The FDA also intends to fund research aimed at better understanding virus adherence to berries and developing effective removal techniques.

Progress Made, But Hurdles Continue

Experts in food safety commend the FDA’s approach as a positive advancement for consumer protection. However, the delicate quality of berries limits post-harvest interventions, emphasizing the necessity for rigorous control during production.

Despite these limitations, specialists remain hopeful that the new regulations will significantly mitigate outbreak risks. Infectious disease expert Dr. Amesh Adalja from Johns Hopkins notes that although individual consumer risk is relatively low, the initiatives could greatly reduce the chance of widespread incidents.

Implications for Berry Consumers

Regular consumers of berries are unlikely to notice immediate changes in how they purchase or consume these fruits due to the FDA’s new program. Nonetheless, it reassures the public that steps are being taken to proactively protect public health. Consumers are still encouraged to rinse berries thoroughly before eating—even those labeled pre-washed—and to choose products from trusted sources.