Email
Semi-dried tomatoes
Hepatitis A is a serious viral disease that affects the liver. In 2009 there was an increase in cases of locally acquired Hepatitis A. The majority of these infections have been contracted in Victoria. As most Victorians have no immunity, it is important that appropriate steps are taken to protect them.
On the information available, the most likely explanation for the transmission of the Hepatitis A virus in these cases has been the consumption of semi-dried tomatoes.
In November 2009 Victoria’s Chief Health Officer made an emergency order under the Food Act to prevent or reduce the possibility of a serious danger to public health, and to mitigate adverse consequences. This order expired at the conclusion of 9 February 2010.
Ordinarily such an "emergency order" is temporary or occasional in nature. Each such order is time limited.
The current number of cases of locally acquired Hepatitis A believed to be contracted from semi-dried tomatoes has diminished. However, it is important to ensure that there is no increase in cases in the future.
Therefore other measures may be required to establish a longer term solution. There remains a risk that the problems identified may recur and this may adversely affect public health.
At the request of the (Victorian) Department of Health, Food Standards Australia New Zealand is currently considering what type of measures, if any, should be adopted nationally in the Food Standards Code about semi-dried tomatoes. For further information please visit the Food Standards Australia New Zealand website.
Current advice for Victorian manufacturers and importers
It is an offence under the Food Act for a person to sell food that is unsafe or unsuitable for human consumption. Given the expiry of the Victorian emergency order, the Department of Health and councils are contacting Victorian manufacturers and importers to ensure that appropriate processing steps and record keeping are in place in relation to semi-dried tomatoes.
For the present, the guidance notes previously published by the Department of Health about the emergency order can continue to be used as a guide to best practice by relevant food businesses. This means that if your food business-
- manufactures semi-dried tomatoes in Victoria; or
- imports semi-dried tomatoes into Victoria from overseas; or
- is in the business of distributing these types of semi-dried tomatoes to other food businesses -
the Chief Health Officer strongly recommends that you use the guidance notes on an ongoing basis, pending further advice that will be provided to you by the Department of Health or your local council. If you require a further copy of the relevant guidance note please email fsv@health.vic.gov.au
Additional advisory information for importers is also available below:
Advice for all food businesses
The Chief Health Officer also requests that all food businesses that kept records under the (now expired) emergency order continue to retain those records, as they may assist in tracing any contaminated product in the future, should this prove necessary. This is especially important because Hepatitis A has a long incubation period and cases may not come to light for weeks or even months after a product has been consumed. This request is made to manufacturers, all importers, distributors, and also retailers (including food service businesses).
Food businesses may telephone (61 3) 9096 5299 with any further queries.
Note this website may be updated with new information from time to time.
