Brazil Calls on China to Explain Allegations of Coronavirus-Contaminated Chicken

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Yesterday, August 13th, the Ministry of Agriculture called on China to explain the alleged contamination with the novel coronavirus of a batch of Brazilian frozen chicken. In a statement, the portfolio reported that it has not yet been officially notified by the Chinese government and that it is considering the issue as an “alleged detection” of Covid-19.

The Chinese city of Shenzhen on Thursday identified a Brazilian meat plant owned by Aurora, the country’s third largest processor of chicken and pork, as the source of frozen chicken wings that tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

According to the city health authority, genetic material from the novel coronavirus was detected on the surface of a frozen chicken wing sample. Other samples from the same batch, coming from Brazil, were analyzed and tested negative.

“Just last night, following news in the Chinese press, the MAPA [Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply] approached China’s General Customs Administration, seeking official data to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged contamination,” the portfolio said in a statement.

Citing the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Agriculture noted that there is no scientific evidence of Covid-19 transmission through frozen foodstuffs or frozen food packages.

The Ministry assured that all products inspected by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) are subject to strict health control protocols. “MAPA confirms the safety of products produced in establishments under the SIF, given that they comply with strict protocols to ensure public health,” the text stressed.

The private sector is also reviewing the reports coming from the Chinese city. In a note, the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) demanded information on the moment when the contamination would have occurred. “It is not yet clear at what point the potential contamination of the packaging occurred, and whether it occurred during the export transportation process,” it said in the statement.

The association said it is assessing the alert, but like the Ministry of Agriculture, it pointed out that there is no evidence that frozen meats can transmit the disease.

“The ABPA reiterates that there is no scientific evidence that meat can transmit the virus,” the statement said, citing, in addition to the WHO and FAO, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

Source: Agência Brasil

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