Noroviruses: importance and impact on food safety

Abstract

Noroviruses play a critical role in food safety due to their high transmissibility and significant impact on public health. These viruses are a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide, often resulting in widespread outbreaks linked to contaminated food and surfaces. Norovirus infections can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and affect people of all ages, posing a particular threat to vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Recent research suggests that norovirus, traditionally known as a human pathogen, may have zoonotic potential, meaning it could potentially spread between animals and humans. Although noroviruses are primarily associated with human-to-human transmission via contaminated food, water, and surfaces, evidence shows that certain norovirus strains can infect animals, raising concerns about animal reservoirs and cross-species transmission.