October 23, 2020,

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has received information that local Chinese authorities have alleged that traces of Covid-19 have been found in shipments of imported frozen food from Brazil and Ecuador.

The shipments containing frozen chicken wings, originated from a plant owned by Aurora, Brazil’s third-largest poultry and pork exporter. The shipments were imported into the southern city of Shenzen, China. It was sampled and tested positive for the virus.

Although, the Brazilian authorities have not been formally informed by the Chinese about the alleged Covid-19 contamination that was found on the frozen wings. The Brazilian poultry sector and authorities have responded to the allegations by stating that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that Covid-19 could be transmitted through food, and that this would be even less likely after 45 days of transportation.

NAFDAC implores importers, distributors, retailers and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance to avoid the importation, distribution, sale and use of frozen food products from Aurora facility in Brazil’s Southern state of Santa Catarina.

Members of the public in possession of the implicated frozen food product are implored to discontinue distribution, sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the consumption of frozen food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC PRASCOR (20543 TOLL FREE from all networks), via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or via the NAFDAC ADR e-Reporting platform available at www.nafdac.gov.ng

NAFDAC……..Customer-focused, Agency-minded!!!

Signed Management