Does meat transmit Corona infection? Know the methods of prevention

Although some studies have linked the possibility of transmitting Coronavirus infection through food, especially frozen food, so far there have been no cases that have shown evidence of human infection with the novel Coronavirus by eating contaminated food. It is related to the transmission of the virus by contact with contaminated objects or surfaces – such as packaging – which can lead to subsequent infections in humans.

According to the current state of knowledge, farm animals used in meat production cannot be infected with Coronavirus, and are therefore unable to transmit the virus to humans via this path.

However, contamination of meat and its products or packaging with Coronavirus could occur during slaughtering, slaughtering, processing and packaging operations, according to Chinese media, including the site. ” SCMP Traces of the Coronavirus have been found on packages of pork shank imported from Germany and on a door handle in a cold room.

It is unclear whether the detected traces of the virus were derived from an infectious virus or whether the virus was actually inactivated during storage or transport, and reports did not mention whether traces of the virus were actually present on the imported product or if they had been transferred to the packaging and on the door handle. From the worker concerned.

In general, corona viruses can be transmitted from an infected person to meat products if hygiene rules are not followed, for example by sneezing or coughing on these products, or through contaminated hands. The same applies to surface contamination (e.g. on packaging).

However, the hygiene rules and safety precautions that are commonly followed during the slaughter, processing and packaging of meat reduce the risk of contamination with pathogens, which also applies to Coronavirus.

Coronaviruses cannot reproduce in or on food; They need a live animal or human host to do this, and transmission of the virus to another person via contact infection does not seem possible unless that person touches an object contaminated with food or packaging and then transfers the virus to the mucous membranes of the nose or eyes with the hands.

To protect yourself from viral infections, always stick to the general rules of your daily hygiene regimen, making sure you wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face with your hands, especially when preparing food.

Also, meat and poultry should generally be heated adequately and evenly before consumption, until the juice from the meat is clear and the meat turns white (poultry), greyish pink (pork), or greyish brown (beef).