...
...
Next Story

Coronavirus outbreak: Imported food safe, says FSSAI

FSSAI had constituted a committee of experts to examine the possibilities of the presence of coronavirus in imported food items.

Updated on: Mar 6, 2020, 13:53:53 IST
Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Prefer HTon Google
Advertisement

The country’s apex food regulator, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), on Thursday said that the food imported into India is safe from the novel coronavirus.

People wearing a protective mask following multiple positive cases of coronavirus in the NCR, in Noida, India, on Thursday, March 05, 2020. (Photo: Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times)
People wearing a protective mask following multiple positive cases of coronavirus in the NCR, in Noida, India, on Thursday, March 05, 2020. (Photo: Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times)

“…the food imported into India including from the novel coronavirus affected countries is safe for human consumption,” a statement from the food regulator said.

FSSAI had constituted a committee of experts to examine the possibilities of the presence of coronavirus in imported food items.

“The committee in its report opined that as of now there is no conclusive evidence for the food borne transmission of the virus. Coronavirus predominately affects the respiratory system and is spread from human to human via droplets while sneezing, coughing, contaminated hands and surfaces. The committee agreed with the advisories of global organizations that the predominant routes of transmission of coronavirus appear to be human to human,” the statement read.

The food regulator also clarified that cooked meat, including poultry, was safe to eat.

“As a precautionary measure, the committee has advised to avoid consumption of raw or undercooked meat as well as unprocessed food products. Frozen food items must be consumed only after cooking them properly. Good hygienic practices must be followed before consuming raw fruits and,” it said.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rhythma Kaul

Rhythma Kaul works as an assistant editor at Hindustan Times. She covers health and related topics, including ministry of health and family welfare, government of India.

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe