New Zealanders are being warned to take extra precautions before consuming frozen berries due to the risk of exposure to Hepatitis A.
In a statement on Wednesday, New Zealand Food Safety advised consumers - especially those with chronic liver damage, the elderly and pregnant people - to consider extra precautions if eating frozen berries to minimise the risk of contracting the disease.
While Hepatitis A is relatively rare in New Zealand, in 2015 an outbreak of the disease was linked to imported frozen berries.
"We have recently become aware of three cases of Hepatitis A, all of whom regularly consume imported frozen berries and are linked through virus genotyping," Vincent Arbuckle, the deputy director-general of the Government body, said on Wednesday.
"While there is not sufficient information on a specific brand to initiate a targeted product recall, the evidence from the cases and from international experience, indicates a risk of exposure to Hepatitis A from consuming imported frozen berries.
"Given we are moving towards the summer months where more frozen berries will be consumed, we considered it appropriate to remind consumers of these simple precautions.
"This is particularly the case for vulnerable communities for whom the consequences of becoming infected with the Hepatitis A virus can be serious."
New Zealand Food Safety is advising Kiwis - particularly those who are elderly, pregnant or with chronic liver damage - to take the following precautions if eating frozen berries:
- briefly boil frozen berries before eating them, or
- ensure cooking temperatures exceed 85 degree Celsius for one minute
- wash your hands before eating and preparing food.
New Zealand has systems in place to minimise risks throughout the supply chain and food businesses are verified to ensure the proper precautions are taken, Arbuckle added.
"In addition, imported berries are subject to a sampling and testing regime before being released for sale.
"However, we will never be able to completely eliminate any food safety risk from food for sale. That's why we encourage consumers to consider extra precautions at home.
"The safety of consumers is our number one priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation with that in mind. As part of this, we are working with frozen berry suppliers to ensure they are aware of potential risks and are actively managing the issue.
"If we identify any evidence of a wider risk we will assess and take appropriate action, including product recalls," he said.
Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. It's rare in New Zealand, but more common in developing countries. The virus can be passed on through poor personal hygiene, contaminated food and close personal contact, including sexual contact. Early symptoms of infection can be mistaken for the flu. The usual symptoms are nausea and stomach pain, with jaundice (yellow skin) appearing in a few days. Some people, especially children, may have no symptoms at all.
As the illness develops, the symptoms are:
- fever
- jaundice (yellow discolouration of the eyes and/or skin)
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- abdominal discomfort
- malaise (fatigue, feeling tired)
- dark urine.
The highly contagious liver infection is preventable by vaccine. The Ministry of Health recommends immunisation if you are planning to travel, particularly in high or moderate-risk areas.
