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Following the alleged isolation of SARS-CoV-2 , the virus responsible for COVID-19 on outer packaging, authorities in China have imposed a rigorous testing program to confirm freedom from infection.  As yet, authorities have released only fragmentary information on sampling procedures and rates of recovery although there have been reports of isolation of virus and claims of infection in cold-store workers.  Requirements imposed by customs authorities and regional jurisdictions have created delays in releasing consignments of meat imported into China and losses have been sustained by traders.

A spokesperson for the China Meat Association has called on exporters in nations with high levels of COVID-19 in plants and communities to decontaminate packaging material to “ensure the safety of imported cold-chain food and boost consumer confidence in imported refrigerated products”.

Despite the claim by China that the virus can be detected on packaging and meat, presumably applying PCR, there is no evidence that frozen meat shipped from the U.S, the E.U., or Brazil could be infectious.  This opinion is supported by the World Health Organization that assigned a low risk of transmission on frozen food.