Tunisia: Doctor warns of hepatitis risk from wastewater irrigation

Professor Lamia Kallel, head of hepato-gastroenterology at Mahmoud El Matri Hospital, has issued a stark warning about the dangers of using wastewater for agricultural irrigation in Tunisia. Her alert follows a case in the Manouba region where several hectares of tomato crops were destroyed after being irrigated with sewage water.

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This type of practice cannot be considered a simple agricultural infraction, but constitutes a direct danger to public health, due to the possibility of invisible contamination of food.

Dr. Kallel emphasized that this practice is not merely an agricultural infraction but a direct threat to public health. She explained that crops irrigated with polluted water can become invisible carriers of dangerous viruses, including Hepatitis A and E, as well as bacteria and parasites. These contaminants can survive until consumption, especially when vegetables are eaten raw.

The health consequences can be severe, ranging from acute digestive problems to serious liver infections that may become fatal. Hospital services regularly treat patients with such foodborne illnesses. The warning comes after authorities ordered the destruction of five hectares of tomatoes in Chouigui, Manouba, which had been irrigated using water collected from a sewage network in an artificial basin.

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The health consequences can be severe, ranging from acute digestive problems to serious liver infections, which can in some cases lead to fatal complications.

"The citizen's health is a red line," Dr. Kallel stated, calling for strict measures and uncompromising prosecution for practices endangering consumers. She also stressed the need for enhanced control actions and, crucially, intensified awareness campaigns. Both consumers, who should wash produce thoroughly, and farmers, who must be informed of the risks, need to be educated. The specialist also highlighted the necessity of providing viable alternative solutions for farmers.

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The citizen's health is a red line.