Hepatitis E: raw pork is main cause of infection in EU

Raw or undercooked pork meat and liver is the most common cause of hepatitis E infection in the EU, says a new report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

More than 21,000 cases of hepatitis E infection have been reported in the EU over the last 10 years (80% of cases were reported from France, Germany and the UK), with an overall 10-fold increase in this period. 

Rosina Girones, chair of EFSA’s working group on hepatitis E, said: “Even if it is not as widespread as other foodborne diseases, hepatitis E is a growing concern in the EU. In the past, people thought the main source of infection was drinking contaminated water while travelling outside the EU. But now we know the main source of transmission of the disease in Europe is food.”

Farmed pigs are the main carriers of hepatitis E in the EU. A recent study found that 93% of British pigs are now infected with the virus. Wild boars can also carry the virus, but their meat is less commonly consumed.

Experts from EFSA’s Panel on Biological Hazards recommend that Member States increase awareness of public health risks associated with raw and undercooked pork meat. 

The Food Standards Agency advise consumers to cook pork thoroughly until steaming hot throughout and the meat is no longer pink. 

Some people with a weak immune system may find infection hard to fight, which in turn can cause chronic inflammation of the liver. Andrew Langford, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, told The Independent hepatitis E can “have a devastating effect, especially for people in poor health or with existing liver conditions”.

“We know that it does exist in meat products. It’s not the same sort of virus as hepatitis C or B, but it’s still something we should be really worried about, particularly regarding how we cook our meat, making sure pork products are being cooked properly to kill the virus.”

Why take the risk? There are plenty of tasty, vegan options for that summer barbeque that don’t pose a potential threat to your health or even your life! See Viva!’s Vegan Recipe Club for a wide selection of ideas and recipes. 

Key facts about hepatitis E

• Hepatitis E is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV).
• The number of cases in Europe has increased in recent years and it’s now the most common cause of short-term (acute) hepatitis in the UK.
• Hepatitis E is generally mild in its effect unless you have pre-existing liver disease or are pregnant.
• In some cases especially for those with liver damage or patients with a weak immune system, it can lead to liver failure – which can be fatal.

Find out more about viruses in meat here. 

See our 10 Easy Ways to Cut Out Meat wallchart here. 

About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.

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