Hepatitis A outbreak associated with consumption of dates, England and Wales, January 2021 to April 2021

We report a national hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreak linked to the consumption of Medjool dates. Twentynine cases of three genetically related sequences have been identified. Epidemiological investigations identified a suspected product (adjusted odds ratio: 47.36; 95% confidence interval: 1.79-1,256.07; p = 0.021). Microbiological testing has confirmed the presence of HAV on dates recovered from two cases and the product has been recalled. Date consumption is currently likely to be increased in connection with Ramadan, with potential ongoing contamination risk.