Endocrine disruptors

Numerous scientific publications have stirred a political debate about the impact of synthetic chemicals on the endocrine system of humans and animals. In an parliamentary inquiry, the Federal Government of Germany was requested to give its opinion on currently available information, to describe the measures taken so far and to outline the challenges for the future. The government’s reply — an abridged, translated version is published here — reviews crucial aspects of the present scientific debate. The main focus is on the critical examination of the request for immediate legal action (e.g. restricting the production or use of certain substances) to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors. Furthermore, an overview is given on national and international measures taken so far to refine the assessment of the potential hazards emanating from these chemicals, to gain more insight into the underlying biological mechanisms and to improve the basis for targeted and adequate legal action.     

A 2019 Outbreak Investigation of Hepatitis A Virus Infections in the United States Linked to Imported Fresh Blackberries

Globally, hepatitis A virus (HAV) is one of the most common agents of acute viral hepatitis and causes approximately 1.4 million cases and 90,000 deaths annually despite the existence of an effective vaccine. In 2019, federal, state, and local partners investigated a multi-state outbreak of HAV infections linked to fresh blackberries sourced from multiple suppliers in Michoacán, Mexico. A total of 20 individuals with outbreak-related HAV infection were reported in seven states, including 11 hospitalizations, and no deaths. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Nebraska State and Douglas County Health Departments conducted a traceback investigation for fresh blackberries reportedly purchased by 16 ill persons. These individuals reported purchasing fresh blackberries from 11 points of service from September 16 through 29, 2019 and their clinical isolates assessed through next-generation sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were genetically similar. The traceback investigation did not reveal convergence on a common grower or packing house within Mexico, but all of the blackberries were harvested from growers in Michoacán, Mexico. FDA did not detect the pathogen after analyzing fresh blackberry samples from four distributors, one consumer, and from nine importers at the port of entry as a result of increased screening. Challenges included gaps in traceability practices and the inability to recover the pathogen from sample testing, which prohibited investigators from determining the source of the implicated blackberries. This multi-state outbreak illustrated the importance of food safety practices for fresh produce that may contribute to foodborne illness outbreaks.