New crown pneumonia｜Shenzhen found that Brazilian chicken wings were tested for virus, meat dealer, doctors urge Hong Kong government to strengthen surveillance

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Written by: Huang Yongyu and Ouyang Dehao

2020-08-13 19:14

The Shenzhen Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarters stated today (13th) that a surface sample of frozen chicken wings imported from Brazil in Longgang District has been tested with the new coronavirus, which raises concerns about whether frozen foods will become a means of transmission. The mainland authorities stated that they have sealed up relevant stock products in the city, and Macau has also announced that it will suspend the application of products imported by relevant manufacturers from now on.

Some meat traders pointed out that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has always conducted random inspections on imported meat, but it has not been tested for the virus, urging to strengthen monitoring to ensure food safety. Some doctors believe that the government should know immediately whether there is a crisis in the factory involved, and an embargo may be required when necessary, reminding the public that as long as the food is thoroughly cooked, the risk is basically very low.

▼In the third wave, the government has extended the restrictions on gatherings and banned food in the evening market.▼

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Brazilian chicken wings are a favorite of Hong Kong people and are easily available in local supermarkets. (Information picture / photo by Liang Huanmin)

A frozen chicken wing imported from Brazil was found in Longgang District, Shenzhen on Tuesday (11th). The surface sample tested positive for the new coronavirus nucleic acid. The authorities tested people who might be exposed to the product and all the results were negative. At the same time, the whole city was sealed. All products in stock were negative after testing. In addition, on Monday (10th) in Jinghu District, Wuhu City, Anhui Province, a sample of imported Ecuadorian frozen shrimp packaging was also found to contain the new crown virus from a restaurant.

The Municipal Administration of Macau announced that it will suspend applications for product import from relevant manufacturers with immediate effect.

Zhang Zhujun: It should be no problem when cooked

Zhang Zhujun, director of the Infectious Diseases Division of the Centre for Health Protection, responded at a press conference today that people should have no problems after cooking, but their hands may touch the frozen meat during the cooking process, so you should not touch your eyes, ears, mouth and nose, and remember to wash your hands. It also emphasized that relevant departments will study whether there is a need for food testing.

Zhang Zhujun, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Center for Health Protection, said that relevant departments will study whether there is a need for food testing. (Photo by Ou Jiale)

Chamber of Commerce: No new coronavirus test for food should be sampled

Guo Shixing, chairman of the Hong Kong Chilled Poultry and Livestock Merchants Association, emphasized that chilled meat is different from frozen meat. He believes that the FEHD should disclose the batch number and indicate whether it has entered the market to allay public concerns. He also revealed that currently imported frozen meat in Hong Kong has a sanitary certificate and the FEHD will also conduct random inspections. However, no new coronavirus testing has been conducted. If time and cost permit, testing should be strengthened to ensure food safety.

Zheng Xing, former secretary general of the Hong Kong Frozen Meat and Seafood Wholesale Retailers Association, pointed out that Brazilian frozen meat accounts for 30% of the total imported frozen meat. Because Brazilian chicken wings are inexpensive, the variety is plump and fragrant, many restaurants will choose it. However, he said that he would not comment on the news that the virus was detected. "It is not trivial for food to have new coronary pneumonia." He believes that the current public need not panic too much.

Liang Zichao, a specialist in respiratory system. (Data Picture/Photographed by Lin Ruoqin)

Respiratory system specialist Liang Zichao said that the freezing environment of the factory is easily contaminated. If there is a virus found in frozen meat, the most important thing is to find out if there is a crisis in the production factory and whether other food from the same factory has flowed into Hong Kong. If necessary, it may be embargoed. Urged the government to strengthen source monitoring, testing and other work, "especially a certain high-risk source, the mainland and Macau have already done so well."

Liang Zichao: No clear case will be infected by food

Regarding food safety issues, he said that theoretically the virus on the packaging is relatively low. If the public handles the packaging carefully after purchasing frozen products, cleans the areas where the packaging has been contacted with a fan, and cooks the food thoroughly, the risk is basically extremely low. "There is no clear case of infection worldwide."

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The reporter has inquired with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and other departments as to whether food import inspections will be strengthened, and a reply is still pending.

New coronary pneumonia