For the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and its members who freeze berries, food safety is the number one priority. The association reminds audiences that a recent FOOD Report published by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on hepatitis A virus in berries contains no new information, but instead repeats publicly-available information about previous outbreaks from years prior. Consumers, media and food safety experts can remain confident in the benefits of eating frozen berries.
Frozen berries are healthy and affordable and available year-round, have a long shelf life that prevents food waste, and are rich in key nutrients such as vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. These berries are frozen within hours of harvest, using nature’s pause button to lock in nutrition while at peak ripeness. The United States is facing a produce consumption crisis, and frozen berries are key to helping Americans eat healthier.
Additionally, AFFI and its members are driving the implementation of best practices across the berry supply chain to mitigate the risk of enteric viruses such as hepatitis A. These include:
- EViews: AFFI recently launched Eviews, a first-of-its-kind digital food safety program created to help growers and processors identify EV risks and take steps to mitigate them in the global berry supply chain.
- Free Online Resources: With input and guidance from global food safety experts and frozen berry processors, AFFI also developed guidance to mitigate the risk from viruses such hepatitis A. These effective practices are available for free to the global fruit growing community on the AFFI website.
- Food Safety Certificate Training Program: AFFI also offers a food safety certificate training program available in English and Spanish, aimed at food safety, quality and operations personnel in the supply chain, to build awareness and knowledge about the potential risks of enteric viruses in the production and processing of frozen berries.
These resources align with the recommendations of a blue-ribbon food safety expert panel, who encouraged adoption of effective risk reduction strategies across the berry supply chain – from grower to frozen food processor.
