2026 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/legalcode Enteric viruses are the leading cause of foodborne disease, with human norovirus (HuNoVs) the most prevalent, and hepatitis A virus (HAV) the more severe. Fresh and frozen berry fruits are a recognized vehicle for trans- mission, gaining increased international attention. The detection of these viruses is complicated because: (i) they cannot be cultivated routinely in vitro; (ii) their concentrations in foods are frequently low; (iii) and sample matrices are complex. ISO- standardized methods, released in the last decade, are widely used, but there remain complexities in their applications, interpretations, and risk-based decision making based on results. This paper describes deliberations of an International Expert Panel asked to address the following: (i) methods most often used to detect viruses in fresh and frozen berries; (ii) role of sampling in test reliability; (iii) means by which testing results are interpreted; (iv) typical uses of testing by various stakeholder sectors; (v) role/use of confir- matory testing; (vi) how testing results are used by various stakeholder sectors; and (vii) the overall value of testing. Critical unanswered questions are discussed, such as the relationship between RT-qPCR positive results and infection risk (virus infectivity) and the role of testing in risk management. Perhaps the most comprehensive work of its kind, this paper highlights the unique challenges posed by emerging molecular-based detection methods applied to non-cultivable foodborne pathogens and sets a stage for the questions that beg answers as these methods become more widely and routinely used. Food Control volume: 180 number: 111436 Foodborne viruses, Norovirus, Hepatitis A virus, Berries, Molecular detection eng Detection of foodborne viruses in berries – State of science and future considerations ScienceDirect https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8573 doi:10.1016/j.foodcontrol.2025.111436 info:eu-repo/semantics/article application/pdf 2827397 bytes Jaykus, Lee-Ann Bidawid, Sabah Bosch, Albert Butot, Sophie Cook, Nigel Gummalla, Sanjay Lowther, James Nasheri, Neda Pinto, Rosa M. Schaffner, Donald W. Simonsson, Magnus Velebit, Branko Vinje, Jan Zuber, Sophie