Human norovirus transmission due to contaminated fresh fruit and vegetables

Abstract

Almost any ready-to-eat fruit or vegetable that has been contaminated with pathogens, either from the environment, human or animal feces or through storage, processing and handling, could potentially cause disease. This problem is particularly associated with the occurrence of human intestinal viruses, especially noroviruses, which are of major epidemiological significance as a common cause of both epidemic and sporadic non-bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. Many outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis associated with fresh fruit and vegetables have been described. The rise in incidence of human norovirus outbreaks may be the result of increased consumption of fresh produce, availability of new commodities, export/import and transport around the globe, changes in production practices, improved reporting and detection methods.