Chinese authorities say coronavirus found in Brazilian poultry

The Chinese municipality of Shenzhen announced they have found traces of the coronavirus in frozen chicken wings imported from Brazil. Despite no public indication of bans of Brazilian animal products, the report causes concern in local authorities. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry is treating the case as an “alleged contamination,” adding that the country hasn’t received any official warning. In a statement, Brazilian authorities say they are “looking for official information to clarify the circumstances of the alleged contamination.”

According to pro-Beijing newspaper South China Morning Post, the virus was found on the surface of a frozen chicken wing. The discovery happened on Wednesday, during a routine inspection. Every staff member who had contact with the product was tested, but all results reportedly came back negative.

Chinese authorities also announced the detection of the coronavirus on packages of frozen shrimp from Ecuador. Recently, sanitary authorities also have been finding the coronavirus in other seafood products.

“Shenzhen will continue to track and test all relevant frozen foods. The government also would like to remind residents to be cautious when purchasing imported frozen meat and seafood,” said the Shenzhen Municipal Health Commission, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The commission did not name the brand in question. However, according to Brazilian news website G1, the contaminated batch comes from a slaughterhouse owned by food company Aurora,...