Security measures get boost for imported food

The M inistry of T ransport has asked logistics companies and staf f to beef up measures when handling imported coldchain food to prevent the transmission of COVID19.

Companies should ensure dock workers are wearing masks when loading and unloading impor ted coldchain food cargo, especially from highrisk areas, Sun Wenjian, spokesman for the ministr y, said at a ne ws conference on Friday, adding that it is to protect frontline workers’ safety.

“When carr ying and moving imported coldchain food cargo, workers are ask ed to a void put ting goods close to their faces and not touching their mouths and noses. They are forbidden from opening food wrapping to pre vent potential contact with the virus,” he said.

The stric t safe ty protocols are to protect frontline work ers including drivers, porters and maritime work ers, who are at a high risk of being exposed to the novel corona virus. Logistics companies are required to record and monitor the health status of frontline workers, providing them with protective equipment, conducting regular nucleic acid tests and intensifying disinfection, Sun said.

Thorough disinfection is required on transportation vehicles and ships before and af ter transpor tation. More frequent disinfection should be carried out on surfaces such as door handles and steering wheels. T he interiors of vehicles, ships and containers that loaded impor ted coldchain food must go through thorough disinfection.

Detailed information registration is required to trace the impor ted coldchain food, he added. L ogistics companies must register information about e very step, including the source of the produc ts, transpor t tools, drivers, maritime workers and dockworkers. Companies are forbidden from carrying cargo that cannot be sourced.

Sun also said that logistics companies must dra w up an emergenc y plan in the event a sample tests positive for the virus.

In midN ovember, the ministr y released a guideline to instruc t the daily work of logistics companies and staf f members when handling imported coldchain foods to prevent the transmission of COVID19. It has also urged regulators for civil a viation, railway and logistics to draw up regulations about impor ted coldchain food transportation to prevent COVID19.

Recent confirmed cases in C hina have been associated with impor ted frozen food. Efforts have been made to stop the virus from rebounding.