These foods are more likely to be contaminated with hepatitis A

These foods are more likely to be contaminated with hepatitis A

• What causes hepatitis A?
• How can food be contaminated with hepatitis A?

A multistate hepatitis A epidemic has led to the recall of frozen strawberries that were sold at Costco, Trader Joe's, and other retailers in Los Angeles, California. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver ailment caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Fresh organic strawberries were found to be the cause of a hepatitis A outbreak that affected multiple states last year. Another hepatitis A epidemic with frozen strawberries occurred in 2016.

However, it goes beyond strawberries. Here is a look at which foods are most likely to be contaminated with hepatitis A and how to stay safe.

Which foods are most likely to contain hepatitis A contamination?

What foods are most likely to be contaminated with hepatitis A?

According to Dr. Victor Chen, an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, "theoretically, any food can be contaminated with hepatitis A." "In actuality, raw vegetables, including salads, fruit, shellfish, ice, and water are more frequently contaminated foods."

All foods run the danger of being infected with the hepatitis A virus if they are touched by someone who has been exposed to it or if they are rinsed in unclean or contaminated water. Hepatitis A outbreaks linked to food have occurred since 2011 and have been linked to raw scallops, frozen tuna, traditional blackberries, and pomegranate seeds, even though they are not very widespread in the United States.

Is hepatitis A contamination of organic food more likely?

Organic food "certainly does not protect a consumer from getting hepatitis A," claims Chen.

A 2016 study found that organic foods have been linked to higher foodborne illnesses in the US than foods cultivated conventionally. Eight of the 18 viral and bacterial outbreaks that were brought on by organic foods between 1992 and 2014 involved produce. Although more people are producing and consuming organic food, it's important to note that there have been more recent outbreaks of organic food.

What is certain is that regardless of whether it was grown organically or conventionally, the danger of it being contaminated with hepatitis A increases with poor sanitation and poor hygiene.

How does the hepatitis A virus spread among humans?

"The virus that causes hepatitis A can be consumed and spread this way. That typically entails consuming tainted food or water, says Chen. The food or water consumed is contaminated with the stool of an infected individual in this way of spreading, known as the fecal-oral route.

 

According to Chen, other potential routes for acquiring hepatitis A include not washing your hands after touching contaminated objects like surfaces or diapers, eating right away, and engaging in oral-anal intercourse. He says that the hepatitis A virus must still be ingested to spread in both situations.

Additionally, people with poor personal hygiene and those who live in unsanitary environments have a higher risk of spreading hepatitis A.

What can you do to safeguard against hepatitis A?

Chen advises getting a hepatitis A vaccination. Anyone over the age of 12 months may receive the vaccine, which consists of two shots spaced at least six months apart. "In immunocompetent individuals, hepatitis A vaccine should provide 95% protection for over 10 years, possibly even 20 to 30 years," claims Chen. If you haven't received this vaccination, you can ask your doctor if you are eligible for it.

The propagation of the hepatitis A virus is also influenced by cleanliness, so according to Chen, it's crucial to "wash hands thoroughly [for at least 20 seconds] with soap and warm water after handling raw foods, changing diapers, using the bathroom, or before eating." All surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized both before and after food preparation.

Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, untreated water, and ice if you're going somewhere where hepatitis A is highly prevalent. "Boil tap or well water before drinking or making ice, or use bottled water," advises Chen.

Finally, Chen advises staying up to date on any food recalls issued by the FDA in response to a hepatitis A outbreak. This will enable you to identify any goods that can endanger you and learn the correct procedures for returning or discarding recalled food items.