BfRStatementOnCoronaInfectionsThroughPork

Go back

Nov 16, 2020 - hygiene

BfRStatementOnCoronaInfectionsThroughPork

The BfR (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) published a statement on this topic on November 9, 2020 (Statement No. 051/2020). The trigger was a news report from China about a worker infected with SARS-CoV-2. According to state media, the worker was reported to have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus through a pork knuckle imported from Germany. According to Chinese media, the man became infected in a cold storage facility. Traces of the virus were reportedly detected on a package and on a door handle.

The BfR confirms in the statement the repeatedly published view that people cannot become infected with the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus through the consumption of contaminated food. Additionally, there have been no cases of virus transmission through contact with contaminated objects or contaminated surfaces (such as packaging) reported. Thus, the BfR's position on this topic, as previously expressed, is reaffirmed. The BfR has already addressed this issue multiple times in the Q&A section on “Can the novel coronavirus be transmitted via food and objects?”

You can view the complete statement here.

In the laboratories of the Tentamus Group, we conduct surface testing for the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

If you have any questions, our customer advisors will be happy to assist you.

Source: Food Association, Circular L-731-2020