Morocco Launches Investigation into Hepatitis A in Exported Strawberries

8 March 2024 – bySaid@Bladi · 1 min read

The National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) has opened an investigation and taken preventive measures following the detection of the hepatitis A virus in Moroccan strawberries imported into Spain and the triggering by the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of a health alert.

ONSSA carried out an inspection at the exporting company concerned and took samples of red fruits for further analysis. Pending the results, the Office has strengthened the control of strawberries from the incriminated farm and increased the frequency of health inspections of the establishment.

Preliminary analyses of the irrigation water showed its compliance with food safety standards. Screening of the farm’s staff is underway to determine any possible hepatitis A contamination, ONSSA said.

ONSSA reassures consumers: Moroccan strawberries marketed on the local market are in no way concerned by the RASFF alert. They are subject to a rigorous surveillance and control plan, with regular inspections and systematic microbiological analyses. 245 samples of red fruits have been tested and all have proven to be compliant.

Briefly suspended following the alert, Moroccan strawberry exports resumed on the evening of March 6.

Category: Morocco

Keywords:

Spain Exports Agriculture National Office for Health Security of Food Products