FDA Releases Prevention Strategy for Control of Enteric Viruses in Berries

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a summary of a new strategy to prevent the contamination of fresh and frozen berries with enteric viruses. This new strategy outlines actions to help the FDA and other interest holders identify preventive measures and ensure their consistent application.

Over many years, outbreaks of enteric virus infections, including Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and human norovirus (NoV), have been linked to fresh and frozen berries in the United States and globally. While no enteric virus outbreaks associated with domestic berries have been reported in 35 years, there have been reported outbreaks linked to imported fresh and frozen berries.

Outbreak investigations related to berries highlight the recurring issues that inform the preventive actions outlined in the new prevention strategy to reduce the risk of viruses in fresh and frozen berries. Hygienic practices and challenges for the control of enteric viruses in berries and other hand-harvested produce apply globally. An approach that identifies, leverages and shares effective practices can benefit domestic and global operators that grow, process and source berries and other produce with similar risk factors, said FDA.

NEW PREVENTION STRATEGY. This prevention strategy is designed to address factors that have the potential to contribute to the contamination of berries with enteric viruses. It outlines actions for the FDA, industry and other interest holders to take to identify and ensure accurate and timely communication and consistent application of effective prevention measures across the global berry industry. This prevention strategy also addresses significant knowledge gaps by fostering scientific research to enhance the ability to detect and characterize enteric viruses in different sample types, as well as linking the source of contamination using advanced laboratory methods.

The strategy also identifies research to understand the ecology of enteric viruses in berry and other fresh produce operations. All the goals and deliverables defined in this prevention strategy aim to reduce future incidences of foodborne illness linked to fresh and frozen berries, said FDA. These actions were informed by assessments of outbreak findings, engagement with food safety experts in industry and other interest holders and a review of historical data. A surveillance sampling assignment conducted between FY19 to 23 further supports the need for vigilant monitoring and consistent application of effective controls, said the agency.

"Collaboration between regulators, the global berry industry and other interest holders has been critical for the development of this strategy,” said Conrad Choiniere, director of the Office of Microbiological Food Safety at the FDA’s Human Food Program (HFP). “We look forward to on-going collaboration to ensure the success of this strategy, and others, for the prevention of foodborne illness.”

For more information, visit the FDA’s Prevention Strategies to Enhance Food Safety webpage.