SINGAPORE - There is no need to ban imports from companies whose frozen food products have been contaminated with the coronavirus, say infectious diseases experts.
"On receiving food from overseas, handlers should practise regular hand hygiene and ensure surfaces and utensils are regularly cleaned." The issue came under the spotlight in recent days, after China announced that it had found traces of the coronavirus on the packaging of frozen squid from Russia and frozen fish from Indonesia. Indonesia has since suspended the company, Putri Indah, from exporting to China while it investigates the issue.
Dr Jasmin Lim, a lecturer in Republic Polytechnic's School of Applied Science, said that seafood typically goes through four stages in the supply chain. They are first harvested, then processed, before being packaged and put in cold storage. They are then transported to distribution centres and eventually, retail stores.
Refrain from eating raw food. Locals enjoying too much sashimi style food in recent times. They forget such food are carefully prepared and certified handlers had years of experience and habit of clean preparation. Same can’t be said here.