World Hepatitis Day – Take action and ensure food safety

There are more than two million new cases of hepatitis every year and over a million people lose their lives to hepatitis. As we observe World Hepatitis Day, it’s an important reminder of the crucial role that food safety plays in preventing the spread of hepatitis and other foodborne illnesses. This day, recognized annually on July 28^th, aims to raise global awareness of viral hepatitis and encourage preventive measures to ensure public health.

Understanding Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by various viruses, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Among these, hepatitis A and E are commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water. Foods that are often linked to hepatitis contamination include:

• (Frozen) Fruits and vegetables: Often contaminated through improper handling or irrigation with contaminated water.
• Shellfish: Especially when harvested from contaminated waters.
• Uncooked or undercooked foods: Foods that haven’t been properly cooked can harbor hepatitis viruses.

The Importance of Food Safety
Preventing hepatitis transmission through food requires rigorous testing and safety measures. As a food producer or testing laboratory, your role in ensuring the safety of food products is crucial.

Testing with Real-Time PCR
Simultaneously test for both norovirus and hepatitis A, streamlining your testing process and increasing efficiency: SureFast Norovirus/Hepatitis A 3plex, Art. No. F7124

or specifically look for:

SureFast Hepatitis A PLUS, Art. No. F7125
SureFast Hepatitis E PLUS, Art. No. F7142

On this World Hepatitis Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to food safety and public health. By implementing testing solutions, we can reduce the risk of hepatitis transmission through contaminated food and ensure safer food for all.

For more information about our real-time PCR kits and how they can benefit your operations, please visit our website on virus detection or contact us directly!