European health authorities detect hepatitis A in Moroccan strawberries

European health authorities have raised the alarm after detecting hepatitis A in Moroccan strawberries exported to Spain, according to regional media. The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) issued a public health warning for the strawberries, noting the contamination exceeds authorized levels, posing a significant public health risk. This is the second successive health warning issued for Moroccan strawberry imports. In the earlier incident produce was found to be contaminated with norovirus.

The Valencian Farmers’ Association (AVA-ASAJA) reportedly labeled the situation a "public health danger," and experts suspect the contamination may result from wastewater used in irrigation. AVA-ASAJA urged Spain's Ministry of Agriculture to seek immediate explanations from Moroccan authorities and implement preventive measures. The recent food health safety concerns come as tensions mount in Spain over Moroccan agricultural exports. The rise in Moroccan agricultural exports to the EU has prompted opposition from many farmers in the southern European country.