File photo: AFP

Live COVID-19 viruses were detected and detached from positive samples of imported frozen cod outer packaging in Qingdao, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention released on Saturday. 

According to CDC, this is the first time in the world that the COVID-19 virus has been detached from the outer packaging of cold-chain foods, and it has been confirmed that the contaminated outer package can cause infection. The findings suggest that, while preventing the import of infected cases, attention should also be paid to the import of cold-chain goods contaminated overseas.

Existing research and experience show that COVID-19 is not a food-borne disease, and no infection is found through food intake. So far, there is no case of consumers infected by contaminated cold-chain seafood. The main route of transmission remains through respiratory droplets and close contact. At the same time, China's relevant departments have intensified preventive measures, such as imported cold-chain food monitoring and disinfection. The general public can still buy and eat imported fish but should pay attention to cleanliness and separation of raw and cooked food.

The CDC suggests those whoever is in close contact with cold-chain products with a high risk of contamination should enhance their protection awareness, do a good job in daily protection, and regularly conduct nucleic acid testing.