Presence of RNA Viruses in Raspberries

Abstract

Serbia is one of the largest exporter of berries in EU. Berries are a perishable food which can be consumed as fresh or minimally-processed as well as a frozen ingredient added to many foods. According to EFSA, contamination by Noroviruses and Hepatitis A viruses may occure at various stages of berry production chain. Based on above mentioned, the aim of this study was to evaluate virological safety of raspberries (2057 samples) grown in Serbia. Analyzed samples were collected from various independent producers from January 2019 untill January 2022. Samples were analyzed on Norovirus (NoV) genogroups I (GI) and II (GII) and Hepatitis A (HAV). The applied method was based on ISO 15216-2:2019 Microbiology of the food chain — Horizontal method for determination of hepatitis A virus and norovirus using real-time RT-PCR — Part 2: Method for detection. Out of 2057 analyzed samples only 8 (0,4%) showed unsatisfactory positive result concerning NoV genogroup I (GI) and 1 (0,05%) concerning NoV genogroup II (GII) but neither one showed unsatisfactory positive result concerning HAV viruses. As far as obtained results are concerned it can be concluded that Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are properly implemented throughout berry production chain in Serbia. Due to high risk of contamination during berry production it is necessary to conduct permanent monitoring in order to provide microbiologically safe products that are exported to the EU.