The National Office for Food Safety in Morocco (ONSSA) has addressed the concerns raised by the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) in Europe regarding the alleged contamination of Moroccan strawberries with the Hepatitis A virus. Following a health notification, ONSSA initiated a comprehensive investigation, pinpointing the implicated field and packaging unit. Rigorous sampling of irrigation water and strawberries was conducted to ensure the absence of health hazards.
The analyses conclusively demonstrated that the strawberries were free from Hepatitis A and Norovirus, with the irrigation water also showing no signs of contamination. Officials emphasized the adherence to strict monitoring protocols for field workers, affirming that the strawberries were exclusively earmarked for export, not for domestic consumption. ONSSA also highlighted the efficiency of its annual monitoring and surveillance program, which involves extensive sampling across various fruits, consistently affirming their safety and compliance with health standards.
Source: moroccoworldnews.com