Some Apples and Peaches in NZ Market may be Contaminated With Hepatitis A

Even as the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries issued a warning that some of the apples and peaches available in the market may be contaminated with hepatitis A virus, health experts revealed that so far there have been no reported cases though they did say that it could take days for the first symptoms to manifest.

According to the reports, one of the workers at Hawke's Bay packhouse who handled Royal Gala and New Zealand Beauty apples and Golden Queen peaches over a period of four days was suffering from hepatitis A infection and could have passed the virus on to the fruits.

Experts say that hepatitis A virus can survive on fruit surfaces for months and can pass on the infection to handlers or consumers.

While it is very rare that people will be contracting the infection from the fruits, ministry deputy director general Scott Gallacher said that some of the infected fruits, sold between February 27 and March 13, have been identified and withdrawn from the market, though over 1400 cartons had been sold. Here is a list of potentially contaminated fruits and the outlets where they were sold

• Royal Gala apples from: All Countdown, Fresh Choice and Super Value and supermarkets in the North Island.
• Golden Queen peaches from: All Countdown, Fresh Choice, Super Value and supermarkets in the North Island. Pak'n Save, New World and Four Square supermarkets from to Taupo to Kaitaia
• New Zealand Beauty apples from: All Countdown, Fresh Choice and Super Value supermarkets in the South Island.

Source: Medindia

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is the most benign of the hepatitis viruses and usually has no long term side effects. Hepatitis A vaccine is available that is 95% effective in preventing the disease.

HBV Screening

Tests used for screening hepatitis B are estimation of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBc and anti-HBs antibodies.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus.

Aplastic Anemia

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a term that refers to a condition where the body fails to produce enough blood cells.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is good as a salad dressing or as a pickling agent but how effective is this ancient folk remedy in treating chronic ailments? Find out …

Fat Burning Fruits

There are many fat-burning fruits. You can eat a fat-burning diet with the help of these belly fat-burning fruits. Eat them raw or make fat-burning fruit smoothies.

Health Benefits of Eating Apples

Apples are delicious fruits that are loaded with essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Apples offer remarkable health benefits that are needed for overall health.

Health Benefits of Eating Peaches

Peaches are juicy fruits that are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other compounds that are good for the body. Peaches have amazing health benefits that are needed for overall health.

Hepatitis Diet Recommendations

Hepatitis is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Hepatitis diet should be carefully monitored and prepared for easy and quick recovery of hepatitis patients.