Contamination of fresh produce with human enteric viruses remains a critical food safety challenge. Unlike bacterial pathogens, enteric viruses are non-cultivable, necessitating exclusive reliance on molecular methods such as RT-qPCR for their detection in food and environmental samples. This session will explore the scientific and practical limitations this imposes—particularly in assessing viral infectivity, validating control measures, and quantifying public health risk. Attendees will gain insight into global efforts aimed at advancing methodologies beyond RT-qPCR, including strategies for linking molecular detection to actual infection risk. Experts will review publicly available risk assessments, examine the role of epidemiology in identifying and controlling contamination, and discuss the potential for industry adoption of innovative mitigation strategies, including combined interventions (“hurdles”). Finally, a framework for the use of mathematical modeling to bridge the divide between molecular detection, virus infectivity, and public health risk, will be proposed. By bridging science, risk assessment, and practical application, this session aims to inform future policy, research, and industry practices for managing enteric virus risks in the food supply.