Hepatitis A in Dutch Supermarkets: What We Know & How to Prevent Future Outbreaks

Introduction: A Food Safety Wake-Up Call 

The recent discovery of Hepatitis A (HAV) contamination in frozen blueberries sold at a major Dutch supermarket chain has sent shockwaves through the Netherlands and raised concerns about food safety practices across Europe. This incident, impacting a popular and seemingly safe product, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our food supply chain and the critical importance of vigilance at every stage, from farm to fork.    

Hepatitis A in Blueberries: What Happened? 

In early January 2025, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reported that several people had contracted Hepatitis A after consuming frozen blueberries purchased from Albert Heijn, one of the largest supermarket chains in the Netherlands. The contaminated berries were sold in 1-kilogram bags under the supermarket’s own brand and had a specific expiration date of April 14, 2026.    

Albert Heijn responded swiftly by recalling the affected product and issuing a public warning, urging customers who had purchased the berries not to consume them and to return them to the store for a refund. The supermarket also removed all 1-kilogram bags of frozen blueberries from its shelves as a precautionary measure.    

As of January 16, 2025, twelve people have been officially diagnosed with Hepatitis A linked to the contaminated blueberries, with ages ranging from 25 to 77. Two individuals required hospitalization due to severe symptoms. However, health authorities estimate that hundreds more may have been infected, as Hepatitis A often causes mild symptoms that go unreported.   

Hepatitis A: Understanding the Risks 

While foodborne transmission of Hepatitis A is less common compared to other routes, it remains a significant concern. This is because the virus is quite hardy and can survive in various environments, including during freezing and even heat processing. Contamination of food can occur at various stages, from primary production and processing to handling and preparation in food service establishments or even at home. 

The presence of Hepatitis A in food can be difficult to detect, as it doesn’t always cause noticeable changes in the food’s appearance, smell, or taste. This makes it a potential indicator of hygienic malpractice and a serious food safety concern. 

Although most cases of Hepatitis A result in mild symptoms and full recovery, there’s a risk of severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations. In rare instances, a “fulminant” progression of the disease can occur, leading to acute liver failure and a high mortality rate. 

What Likely Went Wrong 

While investigations are ongoing, the RIVM suggests the contamination likely occurred at the production stage, possibly due to: 

• Contaminated Water: Irrigation water used on the blueberry farm could have been contaminated with the Hepatitis A virus. 

• Poor Hygiene: A picker or handler may not have washed their hands properly after using the toilet, leading to faecal contamination of the berries. 

Responsibility and Consequences 

• Producer Responsibility: The primary responsibility lies with the producer of the frozen blueberries to ensure the safety of their products. They are likely facing investigations and potential legal action. 

• Retailer Responsibility: While Albert Heijn acted swiftly to recall the product, they also bear some responsibility for ensuring the safety of the products they sell. This incident could damage their reputation and consumer trust. 

Consequences of Recalls:  

Food recalls have significant consequences for businesses. They can be expensive, involving costs for product withdrawal, disposal, and potential legal fees. Recalls also damage a company’s reputation and erode consumer trust, leading to lost sales and increased scrutiny from food safety authorities.

This highlights the interconnectedness of the food supply chain and the importance of vigilance at every stage to prevent contamination and protect public health.

Stop Food Recalls: How to Build a Strong Food Safety Culture

Regulations and Food Safety Measures 

The Netherlands and the EU have strict food safety regulations in place to prevent contamination and protect public health. These regulations cover various aspects of food production, processing, and distribution, including hygiene standards, traceability requirements, and outbreak investigation protocols.    

In the case of frozen fruits and vegetables, specific regulations address potential hazards and control measures. These include requirements for: 

• Supplier approval and audits: Ensuring that suppliers meet strict hygiene and safety standards. 

• Raw material testing: Testing incoming raw materials for pathogens and contaminants. 

• Processing and handling: Implementing hygienic practices during processing, packaging, and storage to prevent contamination. 

• Traceability: Maintaining comprehensive records to trace products throughout the supply chain in case of an outbreak.    

Epidemiology of Hepatitis A and Other Scandals 

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) publishes annual reports on zoonoses and foodborne outbreaks, providing valuable insights into the epidemiology of foodborne illnesses in Europe. While the full report for 2024 is not yet available, previous reports have highlighted the ongoing challenges of controlling foodborne viruses, including Hepatitis A.    

In 2023, three EU Member States (Germany, Italy, and Poland) reported outbreaks caused by the hepatitis A virus, leading to a total of 11 foodborne outbreaks (FBOs) associated with the virus. This marked an increase of three FBOs compared to the previous year. Notably, two significant outbreaks with strong evidence, reported by Italy and Poland, were linked to the consumption of “fruit, berries, and juices and other products thereof.”

This recent outbreak is not the first food safety incident to affect Dutch supermarkets. In November 2024, Albert Heijn had to recall red grapes due to a safety concern. These incidents underscore the need for continuous vigilance and improvement in food safety practices throughout the supply chain. 

Lessons Learned from the Hepatitis A scandal and the Way Forward 

The Hepatitis A contamination in frozen blueberries serves as a wake-up call for the food industry. It highlights the importance of: 

• Robust food safety management systems: Implementing and maintaining comprehensive systems like HACCP to identify and control potential hazards.    

• Strong supplier relationships: Working closely with suppliers to ensure they meet strict safety standards and share relevant information. 

• Effective traceability: Implementing traceability systems that enable rapid identification and recall of contaminated products.    

• Consumer education: Educating consumers about food safety risks and proper handling practices.    

By learning from this incident and strengthening food safety measures, the industry can work towards preventing future outbreaks and maintaining consumer trust. 

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Sources  

• [1] Albert Heijn. (2025, 16 januari). Aanvullend bericht – Belangrijke veiligheidswaarschuwing: AH Zakje met blauwe bessen 1 kg. Aanvullend Bericht – Belangrijke Veiligheidswaarschuwing: AH Zakje met Blauwe Bessen 1 Kg. https://nieuws.ah.nl/aanvullend-bericht—belangrijke-veiligheidswaarschuwing-ah-zakje-met-blauwe-bessen-1-kg/ 
• [2] Current information on hepatitis A. (z.d.). RIVM. https://www.rivm.nl/en/hepatitis-a/current-information 
• [3] European Food Safety Authority. (2024, 10 december). The European Union One Health 2023 Zoonoses report. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9106 
• [4] FDA. (2021). Bad Bug Book (Second Edition) (2de editie). https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/bad-bug-book-second-edition 
• [5] NOS. (2025, 15 januari). Vijf vragen over de besmette blauwe bessen van Albert Heijn. https://nos.nl/artikel/2551934-vijf-vragen-over-de-besmette-blauwe-bessen-van-albert-heijn