Detection and control of foodborne viruses

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Foodborne viruses are a safety challenge for a range of foods including ready–to–eat products, fresh produce, bivalve shellfish and pork products. While viruses cannot grow in or on foods, they can be carried on or in foods. Three viruses are of primary concern to food safety: norovirus (NoV), hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis E (HEV).

We offer a range of services to detect and control viruses in foods:

• Detection of human Norovirus GI / GII and Hepatitis A virus on fresh and frozen soft berry fruits and a range of salad vegetables – we are the only UK laboratory that has UKAS accreditation to ISO 17025:2005 for this
• Tailored guidance on foodborne viruses, the threat they pose to specific products and options for their control – including trials to validate specific approaches
• Bespoke training and briefing sessions on viruses as a hazard, their control and how to handle contamination incidents

We are also currently developing protocols for detection of HEV in pork and pork products as well as NoV and HAV in bivalve shellfish.

How do viruses get into food?

The foodstuffs mainly at risk from contamination with NoV and HAV are those which are lightly processed, eaten raw or ready-to-eat foods – for example, salad vegetables, soft berry fruits and shellfish. HEV may be found in undercooked or minimally processed pork meat products. Contamination of food with foodborne viruses can potentially occur anywhere along the supply chain.

How can foodborne viruses be detected?

Viruses do not multiply in or on foods, can often be present in very low numbers and cannot readily be cultured. Despite being challenging to detect, genomic material from viruses can be found. However, viruses remain detectable after the virus is rendered non-infective, which makes it difficult to determine whether the virus is active or inactive (i.e. a threat to safety or not).

How can viruses be controlled?

The best means of control is prevention – stopping pathogens (including viruses) from entering the food supply chain in the first place. Once viruses enter the food supply chain, further control measures may have to be taken to ensure the safety of the food. Therefore, gaining an understanding of the survival and persistence of foodborne viruses on foods and in the environment, as well as the assessment and validation of antimicrobial treatments against viruses is an important area for the food industry. Information on work we have done in this area can be found here.

Key services

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

Environmental testing and prevention to help the food industry control SARS-CoV-2.

Microbiological analysis and testing

Covering pathogens, spoilage organisms, and indicator organisms

Microbiological specifications

Pre-set criteria that are used to verify HACCP and good practices.

Contamination incidents

Situation analysis and establish why it occurred.

Microbiological shelf-life

Product safety, retaining sensory, microbiological and chemical characteristics.

Challenge testing

A practical study to determine the behaviour of relevant organisms.

Predictive microbiology

Computer simulation of the growth of microorganisms.

Shelf-life testing

A complete service which can incorporate sensory and chemical analysis.

Microorganism identification

A key part of the management of food safety and quality

Rapid microbiological methods

Advice on most suitable methods for use.

Microbiological methods evaluation

Evaluating microbiological methods, validation and interpretation.

Microbiological risk assessment

Helping to guide clients through the complex evaluation process.

Laboratory design

Expertise in issues relating to microbiology laboratories.

Processing to remove microorganisms

Advice on different heating regimes.

Heat resistance

Determine whether the process you are using will be sufficient to achieve your aims.

Detection and control of foodborne viruses

Foodborne viruses are a safety challenge for a range of foods.

How good is your microbiology laboratory?

Our newly upgraded Proficiency Scheme.

Retailer supplementary audit scheme

Independent laboratory audit required by M&S/Tesco.