Photo: Xinhua

Recently, news that some imported cold-chain food has tested positive for Covid-19 has caused wide public concern. On January 22, Guangzhou issued a Notice on Centralized Management of Imported Frozen Food by Guangzhou Headquarters for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, saying that since January 27, the city’s centralized management warehouse for imported frozen food will be put into full operation.

According to the Notice, all imported frozen food that is ready to enter the city's storage, production, processing, sales or catering organizations and has obtained the customs declaration of imported goods and the inspection and quarantine certificate of imported goods issued by the relevant state departments will enter the centralized management warehouse. Every piece will be inspected and every package disinfected.

As Spring Festival is around the corner, many of you may have started do some shopping and imported cold-chain food such as seafood and fruits may be among your choices. How to make sure of food safety and enjoy a wonderful holiday? Here are some things you should know.

Q: What is cold chain?

A: Cold chain refers to a special supply chain system in which certain products are processed, stored, transported, distributed and retailed in a specific low temperature environment to reduce losses and prevent contamination and deterioration to ensure product safety.

Q: Why is cold-chain food easy to be "affected"?

A: The low temperature resistance of the new coronavirus makes it more likely to survive in the cold storage environment.

The large number of imported cold-chain food makes it difficult to detect all potential risks in random inspections.

The loading and unloading process is also a difficult point for epidemic prevention.

Q: What do I need to pay attention to when buying cold-chain food?

A: Go to regular supermarkets or markets to buy cold-chain food and wear masks properly.

Wear disposable gloves when touching the food and the package. Pay attention to food origin, source, imported food quarantine and other related information.

Clean your hands immediately after shopping with alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer.

Q: What should I pay attention to when cooking and eating frozen seafood?

A: Frozen food should be cooked thoroughly.

Avoid eating raw, semi-raw seafood.

Use communal chopsticks and spoons when dining in a group to reduce the risk of cross infection.

Author|Abby

Editor|Jerry