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UAE confirms no recalled US berries on shelves here

UAE authorities have confirmed no berries from a US brand under investigation for hepatitis A contamination are sold in local markets. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Dubai Municipality both stated they have not found any products from the recalled batches in the country.

What triggered the US berry recall?

US health officials linked frozen organic strawberries from California-based brand Wawona to a hepatitis A outbreak. The berries, sold at Costco and Trader Joe’s, were distributed between March and April 2023. At least 10 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in the US, with two hospitalizations.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall on May 19, 2023, after genetic testing matched the virus strain in patients to the berries. The recall expanded to include other frozen fruit products containing strawberries from the same supplier.

How UAE authorities checked local markets

MOCCAE and Dubai Municipality conducted immediate inspections of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and cold storage facilities across the UAE. They cross-referenced product codes and batch numbers with the US recall list. No matches were found.

A MOCCAE spokesperson said, “All imported frozen berries undergo strict testing before entering the UAE market. We have reinforced monitoring to ensure compliance with food safety standards.”

Why this matters for the Gulf

The UAE imports over 80% of its food, with frozen fruits and vegetables making up a significant portion. In 2022, the country imported 1.2 million tonnes of fruits, including berries, from global suppliers. The swift response from UAE authorities highlights the country’s proactive approach to food safety amid rising global recalls.

Last year, the UAE recorded 15 food recall alerts from international sources, up from 9 in 2021. Most involved processed foods, dairy, and fresh produce from Europe, the US, and Asia.

How to check if your frozen berries are safe

Even though UAE authorities found no recalled products, consumers should still verify frozen berry packages. Look for these details on the packaging:

If you find any of these products, do not consume them. Return them to the store for a refund or dispose of them safely.

What is hepatitis A and how does it spread?

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by a virus. It spreads through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Most people recover fully, but severe cases can lead to liver failure.

The virus can survive on surfaces and in frozen foods for months. Cooking berries at 85°C for at least one minute kills the virus, but eating them raw poses a risk.

How the UAE prevents foodborne outbreaks

The UAE has one of the strictest food safety systems in the region. All imported food must pass laboratory tests for pathogens, pesticides, and chemical residues. The country also uses blockchain technology to track food shipments from farm to shelf.

In 2022, MOCCAE conducted over 100,000 food safety inspections, resulting in a 98% compliance rate. The ministry also launched the “UAE Food Security” app, which allows consumers to report food safety concerns directly.

What should you do if you ate recalled berries?

If you consumed any of the recalled berries in the past two weeks, monitor for symptoms. Hepatitis A symptoms typically appear 15 to 50 days after exposure. Contact a doctor if you experience fever, fatigue, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

A vaccine can prevent infection if given within two weeks of exposure. The UAE offers hepatitis A vaccines at public and private healthcare facilities.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

Have you ever checked a food recall alert before buying groceries? Share your experience in the comments.

Read the original report for more details.

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