Food recall after hepatitis A infections linked to imported dates from Jordan

NSW Health and the NSW Food Authority have issued a warning to the food industry and consumers after three local cases of hepatitis A have been identified in the last few weeks. It is believed that the cases contracted the virus after eating the contaminated dates, a product imported from Jordan.

Picky Eaters Pty Ltd, the product importer, has issued a recall for 1 kilogram and 5-kilogram boxes of the product, citing potential microbial contamination.

NSW Health epidemiologist and Manager of Enteric Diseases, Keira Glasgow recommended that “people who have eaten Jordan River Dates brand of fresh Medjool dates should watch out for symptoms and consult their local doctor as early as possible if symptoms appear,” 

Hepatitis A is uncommon in Australia and is an acute viral infection of the liver. Unlike hepatitis B and C, which are bloodborne, it is also spread through faecal contamination, ingestion of contaminated food products, and contact with infected people or their fluids. 

Two doses of a hepatitis vaccine provide lifetime immunity, and two of the three cases identified have been confirmed as unvaccinated, with the third currently unverified. Someone who is not vaccinated and has consumed the infected foods within two weeks can still benefit from the vaccine, so it is advised to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Genetic testing of the infected patients has identified the strain as identical to one that caused an outbreak in the United Kingdom earlier in the year. The virus, which also came from fresh Medjool dates, caused at least 30 to fall ill, with 25 needing hospital treatment. For most people, basic supportive treatment, mainly rest and fluids, is enough to recover fully. Sometimes, however, increased medical assistance is required.

The Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has supplied import data to assist in identifying the supplier of the contaminated dates. At present, all the related agencies are working together to identify any possible cases and ensure that any potentially contaminated foodstuffs are stopped at the border.

Hepatitis A is rare in Australia. Most people who get the virus may fall ill for a few weeks or even a few months but usually, fully recover without lasting liver damage. However, in a few cases, it can lead to liver failure and death. So, getting vaccinated is highly recommended.

Article by: Food Safety Select