Eating raw frozen fruit can be risky
A new study has shown that consumers who eat certain frozen foods without cooking them first are at risk of becoming ill.
Undertaken by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and Safefood, the microbiological study analysed almost 1,000 samples of frozen vegetables, fruits and herbs for the presence of listeria monocytogenes, salmonella, listeria spp, and E coli.
Listeria monocytogenes was found in 27 of the samples tested, the majority of which were non-ready-to-eat frozen vegetables.
The FSAI and Safefood stressed that whilst the figures were low for the presence of listeria monocytogenes, it is a potential health risk for people who may eat these non-ready-to-eat frozen foods uncooked frequently.
The consumer research part of the study surveyed 815 people across the island of Ireland and found that 80 per cent said they regularly eat frozen vegetables, 40 per cent eat frozen fruits, and 13 per cent eat frozen herbs. While most (68 per cent) said they would cook the product before eating, the other 32 per cent said they regularly eat one or more types of frozen vegetables, fruits or herbs without cooking them.
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and mixed berries were the frozen fruits most likely to be eaten uncooked in a dessert or in a smoothie.
A smaller number of consumers said they would regularly eat uncooked, non-ready-to-eat frozen vegetables such as sweetcorn, carrots, peas, peppers, and spinach in a salad or as a garnish.
The FSAI and Safefood advise that all non-ready-to-eat frozen vegetables, fruits and herbs should be cooked prior to eating and in accordance with the cooking instructions on the label. If these products are eaten uncooked by people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, the elderly or young children, there is risk of serious illness.
Symptoms of listeria monocytogenes infection can include mild flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, emphasised the importance of correct labelling and that caterers and food service businesses must ensure they are following the manufacturers’ instructions when they are preparing food for their customers.
She said: “It is vital that food manufacturers follow best practice guidelines and ensure frozen products that are not ready-to-eat are clearly labelled as such, with clear cooking instructions. They also need to ensure there are no serving suggestions presented on the packaging which could suggest that the products can be eaten thawed without prior cooking.
“Caterers and food service businesses must check the food labels and cook the frozen products, if instructed, so as to ensure that the food they are serving to their customers is safe to eat.”
Interim Chief Executive at Safefood, Dr Gary Kearney added: “We know from social media that there's a growing trend for people to eat frozen fruit and vegetables raw in things like smoothies and salads.
“While the risk of contracting a listeria infection is low, it's still a risk you can avoid by reading the manufacturer’s instructions and cooking these frozen foods before you eat them.
“If the product says, 'cook before eating', we would remind people to always follow that advice.”