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Date Published: 06/03/2024

Serious food safety concerns in Spain after Hepatitis A found in Moroccan strawberries

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Farmers in Spain have demanded stricter controls on fruit and vegetables imported from third countries

Serious food safety concerns in Spain after Hepatitis A found in Moroccan strawberries

The Valencian Farmers Association (AVA-ASAJA) has sounded the alarm over a recent health alert issued by the Rapid Alert System Feed and Food (RASFF) regarding the presence of Hepatitis A in strawberries imported from Morocco. The association has called for immediate action from both the Spanish government and the European Union to address the worrying issue, citing major concerns over public health risks.

According to the RASFF alert, the levels of Hepatitis A found in the strawberries exceed the maximum allowable limit of 25g, deeming it a serious risk to consumer health. The AVA-ASAJA believes that this contamination may have occurred due to the presence of faecal matter in the water used for irrigation on Moroccan farms.

In response, the farmers' association has penned a letter to Spain's Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, urging him to seek explanations from the Moroccan government and outline the measures they intend to take to prevent similar incidents in the future. Additionally, the AVA-ASAJA has asked the European Union to implement stricter health inspections on all strawberries entering the bloc from Morocco and to expand these controls to other fruits and vegetables originating from third countries if necessary.

What is Hepatitis A and what problems can it cause?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing inflammation and damage to the organ. The virus is primarily spread through contaminated food and water, as well as through direct contact with an infected individual. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that unsanitary conditions, as well as certain sexual practices like oral sex, can increase the risk of contracting the disease.

The symptoms of hepatitis A can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice. Not everyone who is infected will experience all of these symptoms, and some individuals may exhibit no symptoms at all.

Despite the potential severity of the disease, the WHO assures that almost all patients recover fully and develop lifelong immunity to the virus.

Also of interest: Metal fragments found in Lidl and Aldi cookies in Spain

Image: Freepik

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