On October 31, the website of China’s General Administration of Customs announced that a batch of frozen pomfret was imported from Ecuador, and one of the inner packaging samples was positive for Covid-19 nucleic acid. Since October, it has been reported many times in China that Covid-19 has been detected on the surface of imported frozen food packaging and samples.
Domestic frozen food is favored.
In front of the frozen seafood counter of a supermarket in Tianhe District, Mr. Cheng wanted to buy some shrimps. After some comparison, he decided to buy boxed shrimps produced in Qingdao. "It is better to feel at ease to buy domestic frozen food now." Mr. Cheng said. The supermarket salesperson said: "Now all the frozen foods sold in the store have been tested for nucleic acid. Take this shrimp produced in Qingdao as an example. Before leaving the factory, the brand will conduct a round of nucleic acid testing by itself, and it will be tested again before entering the supermarket. All imported products have also been tested for nucleic acid before they are sold on the shelves."
The data from Carrefour South China also shows that the sales of imported frozen foods have declined both year-on-year and month-on-month, due to the recent detection of viruses in the outer packaging of imported frozen foods. Ms. Zhang, a citizen, is an online shopper. She is used to placing orders at home. Before that, she often bought a black tiger shrimp imported from Thailand in the supermarket, but recently she was a little hesitant about it. "After all, it’s sensitive recently, and I don’t have to eat it, so I won’t buy it first."
All supermarkets in Guangzhou strictly control the inspection.
Then, what work has been done to ensure the safety of imported frozen food sold in supermarkets and markets? According to the relevant person in charge of Carrefour South China, Carrefour’s cold chain products are divided into two categories: large warehouse distribution and direct delivery by suppliers, both of which have strict nucleic acid detection procedures. "The goods directly purchased will go through a round of nucleic acid testing when they enter the customs, and then they will be delivered to the frozen warehouse in Dongguan." The part delivered by the supplier will be required to provide quarantine certificate and nucleic acid test report when entering the country, and then it will enter the supplier’s warehouse. At the same time, the shipping staff and warehouse management personnel are randomly selected for nucleic acid detection every week to ensure safety and pollution-free throughout the process. Subsequently, Carrefour stores adjusted goods according to inventory and market demand.
"Before the imported meat is accepted, we will ask suppliers to provide epidemic prevention certificates and nucleic acid test reports. Carrefour staff will also conduct nucleic acid testing and sampling every week, and keep disinfection in key areas such as warehouses and stores three times a day." The person in charge said that in addition, Carrefour has a data center for data processing and storage of goods from purchase, warehousing to entering the store to ensure the traceability of the whole process.
According to the relevant person in charge of Wal-Mart Guangzhou, supermarkets strictly follow the national laws and regulations for imported frozen foods and aquatic products and seafood, and check the relevant qualification certificates of suppliers. They also continue to conduct nucleic acid sampling tests on a series of aquatic products in conjunction with Huada Gene. "Up to now, the nucleic acid test results of a series of aquatic products are all negative." At the same time, Wal-Mart also continues to strictly implement the disinfection, epidemic prevention and monitoring of its stores to provide customers and members with a healthy and safe shopping environment.
Cold storage inspection to achieve full coverage
The Guangdong Provincial Market Supervision Administration launched the "Guangdong Cold Chain Food Safety Traceability System" in late August, requiring sales merchants to enter imported cold chain food information.
It is understood that in terms of cold chain food, Guangzhou has done a lot of work. Now, the cold storage in Guangzhou has achieved full coverage for each batch, each piece, each link, the products, environment and contact personnel involved in the epidemic. At present, a number of cold storages in the city have opened accounts of Guangdong Province’s refrigerated and frozen food safety traceability system to achieve targeted and accurate supervision of refrigerated and frozen food; And launched a special campaign to import aquatic products in South America, and investigated frozen shrimps in Ecuador and South American countries operated by cold storage and supermarkets in the jurisdiction, all of which were negative by nucleic acid detection.
Expert advice:Take precautions. Don’t panic.
According to experts from Guangzhou CDC, before and after the packaging of frozen food, as long as Covid-19 exists in the food processing environment, transportation, circulation and sales environment, food may be infected with virus due to cross-contamination or secondary pollution. Specifically, viruses may exist in media such as food production equipment, tools, processing tables, hands, gloves, air, food processing water, and pests in processing areas. Even in the process of unpacking and distribution of sales transactions, if traders are infected with viruses, viruses may float in the air with breathing or droplets, and then deposit on the surface of frozen food packaging.
Therefore, experts say that the possibility of spreading the virus through cold chain food exists objectively, but as long as personal protection is done, there is no need to panic too much. "To buy frozen food, especially imported frozen products, we must choose regular markets and supermarkets; Pay attention to the disinfection and hygiene of the outer packaging when purchasing goods, and avoid contact with the nose and mouth; Remember to wash your hands and disinfect after removing the outer packaging, and then put the food in the refrigerator or eat it after being fully processed. "
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