Frozen berries behind cases of hepatitis A

WELLINGTON: Elderly people, those with chronic liver damage and pregnant women are being warned against eating imported frozen berries to reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis A.

New Zealand Food Safety deputy directorgeneral Vincent Arbuckle said the disease was rare in New Zealand, but three cases had recently been confirmed in people who regularly ate frozen imported berries.

Early symptoms of hepatitis A can be mistaken for the flu, but symptoms including fever, jaundice, nausea and dark urine can appear as the illness develops.

Mr Arbuckle said virus genotyping showed the three recent cases were linked.

‘‘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,’’ he said.

He said people with chronic liver damage, the elderly and pregnant women should take extra precautions before eating frozen imported berries, such as:

Briefly boiling frozen berries before eating.

Ensure cooking temperatures exceed 85degC for one minute.

Washing hands before eating and preparing food.

Mr Arbuckle said New Zealand had excellent systems to minimise risk throughout the supply chain and food businesses were verified to ensure the proper precautions were being taken.

‘‘In addition, imported berries are subject to a sampling and testing regime before being released for sale,’’ he said.

‘‘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.’’ — RNZ