EU Food Alert System detects Norovirus in Moroccan strawberries

The European Union's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) reported finding Norovirus genotype II in Moroccan strawberries on February 14th. This highly contagious virus causes vomiting and diarrhea, prompting the European Commission to classify the finding as «a potentially serious risk».

According to the RASFF notification, the contaminated strawberries were sampled on January 31st and likely no longer available on the market. Spain, the recipient country, notified RASFF about the issue.

This report coincides with heated tensions surrounding agricultural imports to the EU. Spanish farmers have recently protested the Moroccan agricultural industry, citing concerns about fair trade practices and compliance with EU standards.