Tests ordered, fish dumped after Covid scare

The government on Wednesday ordered anyone who has recently been to the Kerry Cold Store in Kwai Chung to get tested for Covid-19, after coronavirus was found on two samples taken from a batch of frozen cuttlefish imported from Malaysia.

The mandatory testing order applies to anyone who was at the cold store between October 29 and November 3. They are required to get tested for Covid-19 by Friday.

Authorities said that one frozen cuttlefish slice and a sample of inner packaging were found to be positive for the virus during tests by the Centre for Food Safety (CFS).

It added that the batch of 390 boxes of frozen cuttlefish slices that the samples were taken from had not yet entered the market.

The importer has disposed of the batch of more than 3,000 kilogrammes of frozen cuttlefish, and the CFS has told the warehouse where the boxes were kept to carry out a thorough cleaning and disinfection.

The CFS said it would step up the sampling of similar products for testing.

The government said it is unlikely the coronavirus can be passed to humans via food consumption. But it reminded the public to always observe personal, food and environmental hygiene.