British strawberry industry reacts to EFSA health risk report
The British strawberry industry has categorically stated that a recent food safety report into frozen berries and the potential emerging diseases associated with them has got absolutely nothing to do with the U.K. 
British Summer Fruits chairman Laurence Olins has responded to the scientific opinion on the risk posed by pathogens Salmonella and Norovirus in berries, contained in a report published recently by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
It details the public health incidents of Salmonella and the Norovirus dating back to 2011 and 2012 when almost 11,000 cases of the Norovirus vomiting bug were recorded in Germany as well as other outbreaks across Europe.
Details of risks like possible contamination caused by using dirty water during irrigation or lapse hygiene practices during packing and freezing processes are also contained in the document.
To read a full copy of the EFSA report, click here.
"The U.K. fresh fruit crop does not pose a public health risk," Olins said in a statement sent to www.freshfruitportal.com.
"This report is based on out of date reference relating to a very specific issue with frozen berries from developing countries, imported into other parts of Europe in 2012.
"The issues are not in the U.K. As pointed out by the Foods Standards Agency, there have been no such outbreaks in Britain."
The reaction comes after the European Commission requested the opinion paper to be drawn up by the EFSA panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ).
It has been published at a time when the British strawberry season is in full swing and sales of the fruit are increasing due to the popularity and association with tennis tournament Wimbledon, where guests traditionally eat strawberries and cream.
Emphasizing that the content of the report is not linked with the U.K. industry or fresh berries, Olins adds that British hygiene management standards and practices are absolutely stringent.
"The U.K. soft fruit industry has scrupulous food safety and hygiene management systems in place, which are independently audited and go above those recommended in this report."
Photo: www.shutterstock.com
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