December 30, 2020

China Meat Association urges exporters from countries with COVID-19 outbreaks to boost checks on shipments

The China Meat Association, a group of Chinese meat importers and processors, have urged exporters from countries with COVID-19 outbreaks to increase checks on shipments before it is shipped to China, Reuters reported.

Gao Guan, a spokesman for the association, said China has detected COVID-19 coronavirus traces on the packaging of imported cold chain products frequently even after disinfection has been carried out locally.

Gao said virus control checks and disinfection should be carried out at the point of origin as costs are lower and efficiency is higher.

China's strict COVID-19 coronavirus tests at ports of entry has increased costs, disrupted trade and annoyed major global exporters.

The association has called on exporters to disinfect the outer packaging of products and the inner side of containers before the exported products are sealed, to ensure the products' safety and increase consumer confidence in imported cold chain products.

Gao said some major exporters like JBS in Brazil have conducted extensive disinfection of products and storage sites.

While the World Health Organisation said COVID-19 coronavirus cannot be transmitted via food or food packaging, officials from China said there is still a risk of transmission.

- Reuters