Food Authority confirms safe consumption of affected tomatoes amid virus claims

In a surprising turn of events that has both consumers and producers talking, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has made a bold statement regarding the safety of consuming tomatoes affected by a contagious virus.

Despite the havoc the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has wreaked on South Australia's tomato industry, FSANZ assures the public that tomatoes affected by the virus are perfectly safe to eat.


ToBRFV is a plant virus causing significant concern among growers, particularly affecting tomatoes, capsicums, and chillies.

The virus diminishes the aesthetic appeal of these fruits and reduces crop yields, which can substantially impact farms' marketability and financial viability.

Dr Sandra Cuthbert, CEO of FSANZ, has stepped forward to alleviate consumer fears by confirming that the virus poses no food safety risk.


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The tomato brown rugose fruit virus has impacted tomato crops in South Australia. Credit: Shutterstock


'Consumers can continue to eat tomatoes and other produce with confidence,' Cuthbert stated.

‘The virus reduces crop yields and marketability, and the restrictions that have been put in place aim to protect other producers from these impacts.’

‘Australia's world-class biosecurity and food regulation systems manage plant viruses like tomato brown rugose fruit virus to support the sustainability of our agricultural industries and minimise disruption to the food supply chain.’


Last week, Perfection Fresh Australia, a tomato company, revealed that it would have to lay off a substantial number of employees due to the ongoing outbreak.

Concerns are growing that this could jeopardise the entire state industry.

In other news, the Oropouche virus, transmitted through insect bites and initially found in sloths, has been detected in humans in Europe for the first time, with 19 confirmed cases reported.

Symptoms of the virus include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain. In more severe instances, it can lead to meningitis. You can read more about it here.
Key Takeaways
  • Tomato crops in South Australia have been affected by tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
  • FSANZ, the country's top food authority, has assured that tomatoes with ToBRFV are safe to eat.
  • The virus impacts crop yields and marketability, leading to restrictions to protect other producers.
  • Despite the viral outbreak, Australia's biosecurity and food regulation systems continue to support agricultural sustainability and minimise food supply disruption.
Have you noticed any changes in the quality of your produce lately? How do you feel about eating virus-affected vegetables? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
 
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Suzanne rose, on a couple of your previous posts, I, as with many others, take my hat off to you in how you have handled your life's family situation. You are certainly one true marvel.

1 "?" if I may ask, is hubby still with you, & how long for your marriage ? The mind certainly boggles with your accomplishments. Total congratulations to you. You deserve it.
 
Back to Tomatoes, I would have no hesitation eating tomatoes or capsicum, etc at present. Our experts are paid a lot of chilli dollars to keep us safe and if they say it's OK then it's OK with me!
 
May as well keep the scaremongering rubbish up.
You did this story in August!
Wait for the shortage of Tomatoes (deliberate withholding of supply by supermarkets) then the price increase due to “demand” then the immediate oversupply of withheld Tomatoes but no reduction in price or ON SPECIAL at the original price.
 
May as well keep the scaremongering rubbish up.
You did this story in August!
Wait for the shortage of Tomatoes (deliberate withholding of supply by supermarkets) then the price increase due to “demand” then the immediate oversupply of withheld Tomatoes but no reduction in price or ON SPECIAL at the original price.
🙄
 
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Suzanne rose, on a couple of your previous posts, I, as with many others, take my hat off to you in how you have handled your life's family situation. You are certainly one true marvel.

1 "?" if I may ask, is hubby still with you, & how long for your marriage ? The mind certainly boggles with your accomplishments. Total congratulations to you. You deserve it.
You may ask. Yes I'm still with hubby . I've been with him since I was 14 and he was 16.
Over the past 4 years We have our own bedrooms s this started due to my depression and anxiety caused by medical negligence.

He snores badly, and if I wake up, I don't go back to sleep
We do, however share movie nights in one of our rooms.

Marriage is hard work but if you truly love each other you can get through anything.

There is a post on our story in The Get To Know Members
 
May as well keep the scaremongering rubbish up.
You did this story in August!
Wait for the shortage of Tomatoes (deliberate withholding of supply by supermarkets) then the price increase due to “demand” then the immediate oversupply of withheld Tomatoes but no reduction in price or ON SPECIAL at the original price.
The best produce is probably going to another state. Mum managed a shop during WW11. She was told that all the best quality Celery was going interstate. It probably still happens with various produce.
 
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We’re growing tomatoes and some herbs as well. Living in an apartment limits our garden space but it’s a pretty good sized balcony for pots. Home grown tomatoes are the best! 😋
Good you have a balcony.We grow herbs too love to watch things grow .Tried a mushroom kite last year but no luck We put it in the firewood box with lid shut to keep it in the dark l know they like a damp dark place like a cellar but we don't have one.
 

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