I love the frozen berries. And fresh. I’m a berry monster. The neighbors ask what to plant by the curb, and my suggestion is always the same: berries.

However the frozen kind have taken a hit over the past couple of years as over 10,000 have been sickened worldwide with hepatitis A.

The protocol in my house has been to microwave any frozen berries so they are boiling for over 2 minutes and then refrigerate so they’re ready in the morning.

I still don’t know if this is a sufficient risk reduction strategy, but I’m sure someone with a microbiological lab will figure it out, because not everyone lives in sub-tropical Brisbane and has year-round access to fresh berries.

The New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General has issued a statement warning of a potential risk associated with imported frozen berries following four human cases of Hepatitis A thought to be linked to packaged imported frozen berries.

The Ministry has instituted a surveillance programme, including additional testing, focused on imported frozen berries.

The Ministry’s Director of Plants, Food and Environment, Peter Thomson says the safety of consumers is MPI’s number one priority in taking the new measures.

“Our investigations to date have not revealed a specific cause, but there is an association with consuming imported frozen berries. Recent outbreaks in other countries also suggest this link.

“We are giving a very high priority to instigating a testing programme that will provide increased surveillance of imported frozen berries. This will include previously imported stocks held by food companies here.

“In the meantime the general advice about food safety applies. People should wash their hands before eating and preparing food. Anyone who is concerned should briefly boil any frozen berries before eating them, or ensure cooking exceeds 85 degrees Celsius for one minute. 

“Elderly persons and those with chronic liver damage should avoid frozen berries that have not been heat treated.

“If you are concerned about a potential risk to your health, or the health of others, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner, or call the Ministry of Health’s Healthline (0800 611 116).