The World Health Organization stated Thursday there is “no evidence” the coronavirus is being transferred through food.
Researchers in China are studying the problem, and the worldwide firm is tracking their findings, Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO’s emergency situations program, stated throughout an interview at the firm’s Geneva head office. But today “there is no evidence that food or the food chain is participating in the transmission of this virus,” he stated.
“People should not fear food, or food packaging or processing or delivery of food. Food is very important. And I would hate to think that we would create an impression that there’s a problem with our food or there’s a problem with our food chain. We’re under enough pressure as it is,” he stated.
Three cities in China have actually reported discovering the infection on the surface area of imported frozen food over the last 4 days, raising issues that the infection might be travelled through food and cause brand-new break outs, according to NBC News.
WHO authorities stated Chinese health authorities have actually checked a “few hundred thousand” samples of frozen food and discovered “very, very few” tests return favorable. The authorities stated they have actually released assistance with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization on how food handlers can deal with food securely.
Even if the infection did transfer through food, which proof does not recommend, it can be eliminated prior to consuming it, Maria Van Kerkhove, head of the WHO’s emerging illness and zoonosis system, stated.
“If the virus is actually in food, and we have no examples of where this virus has been transmitted as a foodborne, whereas someone has consumed a food product, the viruses can be killed like other virus as well, can be killed if the meat is cooked,” she stated.
“People are already scared enough, fearful enough in the Covid pandemic,” Ryan stated. It’s essential that we track findings like this and it is essential that we do not discount rate clinical proof where we discover it. But it’s likewise essential that individuals can tackle their lives without worry.”
