Berry blood ban lifted

People who have eaten berries linked to the hepatitis A outbreak can now donate blood, after the Red Cross Blood Service lifted their two-month ban.

In response to the contamination of the berries, the Red Cross last week banned donors who had eaten the berries for two months to ensure the blood supply was not affected.

Now it says a comprehensive risk assessment has been completed and have come to the conclusion that donors who enjoyed the berries do not pose a significant risk.

"The risk assessment uses mathematical principles and modelling of factors which influence the chance of hepatitis A entering the blood supply," the Red Cross said in a statement.

"Donors who have eaten berries may donate, provided they remain well."

Transfusion of hepatitis A by blood transfusion is very rare, the Blood Service says, and has never been reported in Australia.

The Red Cross will continue to work closely with health authorities to monitor the risk, and will issue further advice if the risk changes.

A nationwide recall was announced earlier this month for Nannas Frozen Mixed Berry (1kg), Nannas Frozen Raspberries (1kg) and Creative Gourmet mixed berries (300g and 500g).

The Health Department on Saturday reported 18 cases nationally - seven in NSW, seven in Queensland, three in Victoria and one in WA.