By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
Push for local fresh berries after frozen berry contamination scare…
HILLS berry growers are encouraging shoppers to buy local amid a nationwide frozen berry contamination scare.
As of 21 February, the Australian Department of Health had recalled four frozen berry products, two of which are linked with the outbreak of Hepatitis A and two as a precaution.
So far there have been 18 cases of the virus confirmed in Australia, including three cases in Victoria.
The berries in question were grown overseas, raising questions about the health and hygiene standards of foreign berry industries.
Backed by local growers, retailers have seen a boycott of imported frozen berries in favour of fresh, locally grown produce.
Belinda and Rob Rooth own Olinda’s ‘Folly Farm Blueberry Growers’ and operate a ‘U-pick’ service during the harvest season. Belinda says local berry farms provide a fresh and safe alternative to frozen produce.
“There are so many berry farms in our region producing berries of all different types,” she said.
“By buying local, you have a much better understanding of where your food has come from, and you can be confident that it’s high quality.”
The Australian Blueberry Growers’ Association encouraged consumers to buy berries with ‘product of Australia’ clearly marked on the punnet.
“Although frozen berries are a cheaper alternative to fresh, the vast majority of frozen berries on the market are not Australian,” the association said through a statement released on 16 February.
“Therefore, there is not a guarantee that the country of origin has enforced health and safety regulations.”
Belinda said berries grown locally were healthy and safe, with many people visiting Folly Farm in the summer months to take part in the picking process.
“We use no pesticides on our berries, so you have no concerns in eating them,” she said.
“There’s nothing more important than giving your family clean, fresh, good food.”
She also backed widespread calls to introduce reform that will make it easier for consumers to understand where there food has come from.
“It’s paramount that labelling makes it clear to consumers where the fruit has been grown,” she said.
“It’s a disaster that we don’t know where our food is coming from. We need to help people make the right decision for their family.”
Blueberry picking season runs until early March. Further information for anyone who may be concerned about the outbreak can be found at www.health.gov.au.
