FSANZ responds to tomato virus food safety concerns

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has noted the reports concerning the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in tomato crops in South Australia.

ToBRFV is a virus that infects plants, particularly tomatoes and other crops such as capsicums and chillies.

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.

“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.”

Image credit: iStock.com/ZoiaKostina