German supermarkets recall frozen berries over virus contamination risks

Major German retailers, including Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Kaufland, Netto, and Globus, have issued multiple recalls for frozen berries due to potential contamination with Norovirus and Hepatitis A. These viruses can enter the food supply through contaminated water, soil, or during the harvesting and freezing processes.

Because freezing does not kill these resilient viruses, health experts and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) warn that consuming the berries raw—such as in smoothies or ice cream—poses a significant infection risk. To ensure safety, experts recommend boiling frozen berries before consumption to destroy the viral structures.

Consumer protection advocates have criticized manufacturers for failing to provide clear warning labels on packaging, noting that some brands even promote recipes for raw use despite the known risks.