Berries – blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and cranberries – are widely appreciated for their fresh taste and antioxidant properties, but in recent months they have also come under scrutiny for a lesser-known risk: the transmission of hepatitis A. According to data from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), cases of this infectious disease in Italy increased in 2025 and in the first months of 2026, with berries among the possible vehicles of the virus, alongside shellfish and raw vegetables.
Why are berries at risk?
The hepatitis A virus spreads mainly through the fecal-oral route, often via food contaminated during harvesting, washing or processing. Frozen berries are particularly vulnerable: their thin skin can easily retain contaminants, and freezing does not eliminate the virus, which can survive at low temperatures. The ISS has documented cases linked to these products, including during the 2013–14 outbreak, and recommends that they always be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Recent data from ISS
SEIEVA Bulletin no. 18, published in March 2026, reports a “further increase in notified cases” in Italy, with numbers already rising in 2025 compared with 2024 and continuing to grow in the first quarters of 2026. In Salento, figures remain limited thanks to tighter controls by ASL Lecce on the food chain and shellfish, but the ISS urges continued vigilance for all raw foods, including berries and vegetables.
| Food | Hepatitis A risk | ISS advice |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen berries | High (surface contamination) | Cook thoroughly |
| Raw shellfish (mussels) | Very high | Consume only when cooked |
| Raw vegetables | Medium | Wash carefully under running water |
How to protect yourself in the kitchen
To enjoy berries safely, cook them at 85°C for at least one minute: this inactivates the virus without excessively altering the flavour in smoothies, jams or desserts. Always wash your hands, fresh fruit and work surfaces thoroughly. The ISS also recommends vaccination for people who work with food or travel to endemic areas.
If you are buying frozen products, check labels and origin carefully: certified Italian products are preferable. In Italy, the berries sector is expanding, but a well-controlled supply chain is essential to avoid food safety alerts. With these precautions, berries can remain a superfood without unpleasant surprises.
Image by Christiane from Pixabay
