Date of issue: 15 June 2020
Date of effect: Immediate
Previous advice: MAA2020-07
Attention:
- Industries—Industry bodies - Seafood Export Consultative Committee
- Export establishments
- Licensed exporters
- Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment —Central and Regional offices
Purpose
To notify exporters of the temporary closure of the Xinfadi wholesale market in Beijing due to COVID-19 incident.
Summary of key points
- On 13 June 2020, workers at a wholesale market (Xinfadi) in Beijing have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
- The Xinfadi wholesale markets handle and process a range of imported and local seafood, meats and horticultural products. (https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/13-06-2020-a-cluster-of-covid-19-in-beijing-people-s-republic-of-china)
- In response to these test results, the local government closed these wholesale markets.
- At this time, there has been no official notification of any changes at the border for future consignments of imported seafood, meat and horticulture.
- The department is closely monitoring the situation.
- Exporters are advised to work closely with their importers in China to keep informed on changes in sales that may be impacted by this incident.
Food safety and COVID-19
- The World Health Organization has issued statements confirming that there is no evidence that COVID-19 may be transferred to humans through food, this is available at the WHO website: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/covid-19-and-food-safety-guidance-for-food-businesses
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand has provided similar advice which is available from their website at: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/prevention-of-foodborne-illness
- The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has also provided information relating to the safety of food exported from Australia, which is available from this webpage: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/coronavirus/food-agriculture#1
- If your importer requests assurances from the Australian Government, please provide this Market Access Advice and refer them to the above websites for the assurances of food safety and COVID-19.
- The department continues to monitor the situations in overseas markets and will advise exporters where there are changes to importing country requirements. Further updates will be provided through the ongoing COVID-19 market access issues update.
Further information
Contact Export Standards if you have any queries.
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.