While it’s being blamed for devastating a state’s growing industry, eating tomatoes with a contagious virus is safe, the country’s top food authority says.
Tomato crops in South Australia are being hit by tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
ToBRFV is a virus that infects plants, particularly tomatoes and other crops such as capsicums and chillies.
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Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert said the virus does not pose a food safety risk.
“Consumers can continue to eat tomatoes and other produce with confidence,” Cuthbert said.
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“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 tomato firm Perfection Fresh Australia announced the “forced loss of a significant number of jobs” amid the outbreak.
There are fears it could shut down the state’s industry.
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