COVID-19 Detected in Ecuadorian Shrimp Imported to China

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The packaging of frozen shrimp from Ecuador imported into China tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), triggering an emergency response from Chinese quarantine authorities.

According to local media such as the People's Daily and Global Times on the 15th, the COVID-19 virus was detected on the packaging of frozen shrimp from Ecuador sold in Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province. It was also reported that the virus was detected on the packaging of Ecuadorian frozen shrimp in Chongqing City the previous day. Chinese health authorities are conducting epidemiological investigations targeting distributors, sellers, consumers, and others who have come into contact with the frozen shrimp products.

The frozen shrimp was supplied through the online fresh food distribution platform Xingsheng Youxuan, and it has been confirmed that some consumers purchased products that tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. On the 13th, the same product of Ecuadorian frozen shrimp that tested positive for the virus was reportedly supplied to Harbin, Heilongjiang Province.

After announcing the virus detection, the General Administration of Customs of China conducted a full inspection of Ecuadorian frozen shrimp and suspended imports from 23 overseas companies that import meat and meat products from countries including Germany, the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.