Apparently, it's also possible for frozen food to carry the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Xinhua reported that Cambodia’s Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced that frozen buffalo meat shipped in from India has tested positive for Covid-19.
Yes, you read that right.
Should you worry?
The report, quoting a statement from MOH director general Hok Kim Cheng, said samples of the meat had been taken to the laboratory for testing by the Pasteur Institute in Cambodia."As a result, three out of five containers loaded with frozen buffalo meat imported from India by Bovini Food Co., LTD and Ashary Investment & Construction Co., LTD tested positive for SARS-CoV-2," he said.
Kun Nhim, director general of the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) was also quoted in the report as saying the contaminated meat would be burned down in accordance with health measures.
Does this mean we have to start worrying about getting COVID-19 from the food we consume? Not really.
According to World Health Organisation, there are no evidence to suggest that human beings can get COVID-19 from food or food packaging.
"Coronaviruses need a live animal or human host to multiply and survive and cannot multiply on the surface of food packages. It is not necessary to disinfect food packaging materials, but hands should be properly washed after handling food packages and before eating," WHO website says.
When it comes to consuming food including animal products, WHO suggest that you cook them before eating.
"There is currently no evidence that people can catch COVID-19 from food. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be killed at temperatures similar to that of other known viruses and bacteria found in food.
"Foods such as meat, poultry and eggs should always be thoroughly cooked to at least 70°C. Before cooking, raw animal products should be handled with care to avoid cross-contamination with cooked foods," WHO guidlines says.