IT is one of the community’s worst fears: having something contaminate our food and make us seriously sick.
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The outbreak of Hepatitis A linked to contaminated Chinese berries has shown how easily it can happen and how widespread the problem can be.
There have been 14 victims across Australia, one from Dubbo.
And there is fear for the young.
Thousands of schools and childcare centres are urging parents to be alert to hepatitis symptoms in their children.
A Sydney childcare centre told parents it had served berries to children.
A Cairns school said its canteen had used risky berries to make smoothies.
Forty-eight Victorian schools reported some students may have eaten the berries.
In South Australia nine schools and childcare centres flagged the issue.
Four berry products, mainly sourced and packed in China, have been recalled.
Hepatitis A is not life threatening but can cause severe illness in young children, the elderly and people with medical conditions.
Even healthy, fit people can become very ill.
How did it happen?
Poor sanitary conditions and food safety checks at the source.
Chinese products, of course, are cheaper.
Authorities have called for stricter screening and labelling of imported foods.
Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said the safest food was “clean, green, and healthy” Australian food.
Hopefully safety checks will be upgraded to prevent future outbreaks.
Consumers can buy peace of mind and body by buying local product