Kiwi Infected with COVID-19? ... "New Zealand Kiwi Tests Positive in China"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Na Yeeun] A kiwi sold at a supermarket in China has become a hot topic after testing positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

On the 24th, according to China's state-run English newspaper Global Times, a kiwi sold at a supermarket in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China, tested positive for COVID-19. Nantong City conducted COVID-19 tests on local residents who visited the supermarket from the 12th to the 23rd, including supermarket staff, and all were reported to have tested negative.

The kiwi was grown in the North Island of New Zealand, in the Bay of Plenty, and was shipped from Tauranga on the 16th of last month. So far, no community infection cases have been reported in the growing region.

The New Zealand government is on high alert. This positive test could lead China to delay imports of New Zealand kiwis or demand a recall.

Dan Mathieson, CEO of New Zealand's premium kiwi brand Zespri, said, "We are taking this matter very seriously," adding, "However, until now, no kiwis infected with COVID-19 have been found on farms or in warehouses." He further stated, "We have activated an emergency management plan and are actively cooperating with relevant government agencies to trace the shipment of the product."

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) previously announced, "Currently, there is no evidence that people can be infected with COVID-19 from food, including fruits and vegetables."