US FDA and USDA: "No Evidence of COVID-19 Transmission Through Food"

Salmon and chicken displayed at a store in Los Angeles, USA. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Eunbyeol] The U.S. government announced on the 24th (local time) that there is no evidence that the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is transmitted through food or food packaging.

Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and Stephen Hahn, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), issued a joint statement to this effect. They pointed out, "Some countries are imposing restrictions on food trade citing COVID-19," and said, "This is inconsistent with the known science."

The statement came as the Chinese government strengthened quarantine measures on imported food after the virus was detected on a cutting board at an imported salmon shop in the Xinfadi Market, identified as the source of the recent COVID-19 cluster infection in Beijing.

The General Administration of Customs of China conducted COVID-19 sample inspections last week on imported seafood, meat, vegetables, fruits, and processed foods, and suspended imports of poultry meat processed at the U.S. Tyson plant, where multiple infections occurred.