Frozen raspberries are the potential cause of hepatitis A outbreak

With 12 diagnosed cases of hepatitis A linked to frozen berries from China, suppliers have pinpointed raspberries in particular as the potential culprit.

Victorian company Patties Foods extended its national recall to include Nanna’s Raspberries 1kg packs. “Investigations through our supply chain have identified a specific source of raspberries as a potential common link to the possible safety issues raised by health authorities,” managing director Steven Chuar told Fairfax.

Other products on the national recall list include Nanna’s Frozen Mixed Berries 1 kg packs (up to and including best before date 22/11/16); Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries 300g (up to and including best before date 10/12/17) and Creative Gourmet Mixed Berries 500g (06/10/17).

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This new information comes after reports that the Red Cross has asked donors who have eaten those specific products to contact them immediately, as they need to identify the most at-risk donations in their system.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon is also calling for two independent inquiries into Australia’s imported food, saying it has undermined the country’s confidence in the safety of foods from overseas.

“This is a serious and widening outbreak of illness apparently caused by basic hygiene failures in China,” he said. “These berries were considered ‘low risk’ but failed the most basic of health checks- carrying a bacteria common in faecal matter.”

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According to the most recent reports, there have been 12 confirmed cases of hepatitis A – five in Queensland, three in Victoria and four in NSW – linked to Nanna’s frozen mixed berries.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include aches, pains, fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools and jaundice, and it can be spread through consuming contaminated food and water, contact with faeces and direct contact with an infected person.

A viral condition that affects the liver, hepatitis A can have an incubation period for up to 50 days and while there is no treatment, you can take precautions to treat the symptoms – such as rest, avoiding alcohol and eating small meals if you’re suffering from nausea.

Concerned consumers should call Patties Foods on 1800 650 069 and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service on 13 14 95.

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