FSSAI had constituted a Committee of experts to examine the possibilities of presence of corona virus in imported food items
Food Safety & Standards Authority (FSSAI), the food regulator of the country, has informed that food imported into India including from the Corona virus affected countries is safe for human consumption.
To address concerns raised regarding safety of such foods, FSSAI had constituted a Committee of experts to examine the possibilities of presence of corona virus 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 Corona virus. Corona virus predominately affects the respiratory system and 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 Corona virus appear to be human to human. It also clarified that meat from cooked, livestock including poultry is safe to eat.
As a precautionary measure, the Committee 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 vegetables.
FSSAI is keeping a close watch on the situation and continuously gathering and monitoring evidences from international agencies and scientific communities of any such transmission leading to Corona virus disease and has ensured that it will take appropriate steps to ensure for safety of food products.