Food-borne virus detection: a necessary step towards quality and safety
By Nizar Benismail, Eurofins Coeur de France
Food-borne viruses such as norovirus GI/GII and hepatitis A are responsible for 20% of collective food poisoning in Europe today. They mainly cause gastroenteritis, fever and gastric problems.
Being not only highly infectious and contagious, but also very resistant, these viruses are very hard to control. As a result, contamination can quickly spread throughout an entire region causing crises and having serious economic repercussions such as product withdrawal/recall, judicial proceedings and damage to brand image.
One recent crisis in October 2012 resulted in 11,000 children being contaminated in Germany by strawberries from China. The increased importation of raw materials from countries where hygiene processes are not yet mature, have therefore shown virus detection as a major quality and safety concern. Additionally, regulatory requirements have become stricter, and a new regulation has increased the level of official controls on imports to the EU of frozen strawberries from China (EU 1235/2012), starting on January 1st, 2013.
In order to support its customers facing these emerging risks, Eurofins has opened a new laboratory for virus detection in food, in Moulins, France. The lab has over ten years' experience in detection and identification of viruses for animal health and regularly participates in ring-tests for validation of its results. Eurofins can now test samples linked to food production such as fruits and vegetables, herbs, spices, molluscs and processed food, as well as water and swabs from work surfaces, for norovirus GI/GII, hepatitis A and other less frequent viruses.
The laboratory's state-of-the art Real Time PCR method, which conforms to the CEN TAG4 standard, provides results in a few hours, so customers can save time and money with increased assurance. Eurofins can also support customers in preventing contamination with advisory services including audits, control plans and training.
Contact: AlainReynaud@eurofins.com
