The Municipality of Naples has published urgent measures to contain hepatitis A. The sale of raw seafood in public establishments is permitted, but prohibited. The Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, found himself forced to sign an urgent ordinance to deal with the increase in hepatitis A cases registered in the area, which according to epidemiological data are now “worrying”. In fact, from the three cases recorded in January, we went from 19 in February to 43 cases in the first part of March.
For those who do not comply with the ordinance for the containment of infections, fines of up to 20,000 euros are foreseen. The situation is in fact very worrying because, according to the Prevention Department of the ASL Napoli 1 Centro, the spread of the virus is 10 times higher than the average of the last 10 years and 41 times higher than the last three years. The measure extends from Naples and also reaches Capri and Anacapri.
Ban on the consumption of seafood: the Naples ordinance
Mayor Manfredi of Naples signs an emergency ordinance for the containment of hepatitis A infections in Naples. The note, published directly by the Municipality, explains that the measure became necessary following the note from the Prevention Department of the ASL Napoli 1 Centro, which detected a spread of the virus 10 times higher than the average of the last 10 years and 41 times higher than the last three years.
With epidemiological data highlighting an escalation defined as “worrying”, action is coming from above for the correct purchase and consumption of food to reduce the possibility of contracting the disease.
What does the ordinance establish?
The main provisions to protect public health and eliminate the risk of contagion are briefly described in the ordinance.
This establishes an absolute ban on the serving and consumption of raw seafood in all public establishments, including neighborhood establishments with on-site consumption and production activities for immediate consumption. Citizens are also advised not to consume raw seafood even at home.
Controls and sanctions: up to 20,000 euros
The emergency ordinance also provides for the strengthening of controls by the relevant bodies. In case of violations, therefore of sale of seafood in the above-mentioned establishments, the incorrect behavior will be punished with administrative fines ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 euros.
In the event of a repeat offense, the activity will be suspended for 1 to 30 days and the authorization will subsequently be revoked. These practices, for the safety of collective health, will remain in force until a new evaluation of the epidemiological picture by the ASL Napoli 1 Centro.
Tips for buying and consuming seafood
A passage in the official note refers to how to purchase and consume seafood.
In a few steps it is explained to purchase seafood from authorized shops only if labeled. At that point, by storing them correctly in the fridge and cooking them equally correctly, they can be consumed.
In short:
- purchase only if labeled at authorized shops;
- store them in the refrigerator at a temperature between 0° and 4°;
- store them in a bowl covered with a damp cloth (not in water);
- cook them well, bringing the water to the boil and then continue cooking for at least four minutes with the lid closed;
- discard any unopened seafood.
Tips for consuming vegetables safely
In the ordinance there is also a column dedicated to the correct consumption of vegetables.
In short:
- wash well under running water;
- use food disinfectant;
- if necessary cook well in boiling water;
- consume frozen berries by boiling them at 100°C for at least two minutes.
