Morocco responds to accusations of Hepatitis A contamination of strawberries

In early March, Morocco's National Health Security Office (ONSSA) conducted an investigation into the company that allegedly shipped strawberries contaminated with hepatitis A to Europe, which were intercepted in Spain.

 

Samples of the strawberries have been collected for detailed analysis and sanitary controls have been reinforced. 

 

Following the health alert, Spanish farmers' associations have called for the immediate suspension of imports of strawberries and other fresh produce from Morocco, suggesting that the contamination could be linked to the use of waste water in irrigation. 

Almost two weeks later, Morocco's Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forestry has responded strongly to allegations about the alleged presence of the hepatitis A virus in strawberries produced in the country, dismissing these claims as unfounded. In an official statement, the Ministry has warned that it will take legal action against those spreading false information.

 

The alert followed a warning from the EU's Rapid Alert System for Food (RASFF) on 4 March that there was a "serious" risk of hepatitis A in Moroccan strawberries, although it was later clarified that the affected strawberries had not been offered for sale. In response, the Moroccan government has reported that laboratory tests were negative for hepatitis A and that no signs of contamination were found in the irrigation water. It has also been assured that farm workers are being closely monitored to ensure the safety of the strawberries.

 

 

 

fuente: efeagro.com