Can imported cold food cause COVID-19 recurrent outbreaks? A review

Feng

Journal of Medical Virology

et al. 2022

Low temperature and certain humidity are conducive to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) for long‐time survival and long‐distance spread during logistics and trades. Contaminated cold‐chain or frozen products and outer packaging act as the carrier of SARS‐CoV‐2, that infects the high‐risk population who works in the ports, cold storage or seafood market. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic worldwide, multiple localized outbreaks caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 contaminated imported cold‐chain products have been reported in China, which brought challenges to COVID‐19 prevention and control. Here, we review the evidences of SARS‐CoV‐2 cold‐chain transmission from six confirmed cold‐chain related COVID‐19 outbreaks in China, especially in terms of SARS‐CoV‐2 whole‐genome sequencing and virus isolation. In addition, we summarize the characteristics and mode of SARS‐CoV‐2 cold‐chain transmission from both six COVID‐19 outbreaks in China and the outbreaks suspected cold‐chain transmission in other countries. Finally, we analyze the underlying risks of SARS‐CoV‐2 cold‐chain transmission and propose the preventive countermeasures.

Section: Underlying Risks and Preventive Strategies Of Sars‐cov‐2 Tra...mentioning

confidence: 99%

SARS‐CoV‐2 cold‐chain transmission: Characteristics, risks, and strategies

Feng

Journal of Medical Virology

et al. 2022

“…There have been instances of COVID-19 spread related to CCF events, and there is a chance that CCF is a carrier that facilitates the transmission [ 14 ]. This study uses 2018 global matrix data of CCF consumption and trade, NCF, and a CAN method to identify the core nodes and communities of the global CCFTN.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These findings indicate that frozen food is an important and potential source of the outbreak of COVID-19 [ 14 ]. In China, many batches of CCF have been detected for surviving COVID-19 ( Table S1 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cold Chain Food and COVID-19 Transmission Risk: From the Perspective of Consumption and Trade

Zhang

Yang

Zhu

et al. 2022

Foods

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), political and academic circles have focused significant attention on stopping the chain of COVID-19 transmission. In particular outbreaks related to cold chain food (CCF) have been reported, and there remains a possibility that CCF can be a carrier. Based on CCF consumption and trade matrix data, here, the “source” of COVID-19 transmission through CCF was analyzed using a complex network analysis method, informing the construction of a risk assessment model reflecting internal and external transmission dynamics. The model included the COVID-19 risk index, CCF consumption level, urbanization level, CCF trade quantity, and others. The risk level of COVID-19 transmission by CCF and the dominant risk types were analyzed at national and global scales as well as at the community level. The results were as follows. (1) The global CCF trade network is typically dominated by six core countries in six main communities, such as Indonesia, Argentina, Ukraine, Netherlands, and the USA. These locations are one of the highest sources of risk for COVID-19 transmission. (2) The risk of COVID-19 transmission by CCF in specific trade communities is higher than the global average, with the Netherlands–Germany community being at the highest level. There are eight European countries (i.e., Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Britain, Italy, and Poland) and three American countries (namely the USA, Mexico, and Brazil) facing a very high level of COVID-19 transmission risk by CCF. (3) Of the countries, 62% are dominated by internal diffusion and 23% by external input risk. The countries with high comprehensive transmission risk mainly experience risks from external inputs. This study provides methods for tracing the source of virus transmission and provides a policy reference for preventing the chain of COVID-19 transmission by CCF and maintaining the security of the global food supply chain.

“…To evaluate the risk of contracting the COVID-19 infection from contaminated environments, researchers focused on monitoring the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in food, water, wastewater, bio-solid waste, and sludge (Carraturo et al 2020). The virus is transmitted from contaminated cold food or food packaging material through person-to-thing-toperson transmission (Han and Liu 2021).…”

Section: Food Food Handlers Food Packages Water Wastewater Inanimate ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental factors influencing the transmission of the coronavirus 2019: a review

Valsamatzi-Panagiotou

Penchovsky

2022

Environ Chem Lett

The coronavirus 2019 pandemic, induced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has strongly altered healthcare systems and the economy worldwide. The lack of knowledge on this virus has led to the implementation of uncertain strategies and measures to fight the pandemic. Here, we review environmental factors that control viral transmission, such as air, temperature, humidity, food, water and sewage, insects, inanimate surfaces, hand hygiene, and social distancing. The main route of viral transmission is the respiratory tract through aerosols. Masks and social distancing are effective in ceasing air transmission. Proper cleaning of surfaces and hand disinfection are required, especially in healthcare units. Food should be handled properly, and food handlers should work based on hygienic protocols. Water and sewage transmission, and transmission through insects appear less important than other environmental factors.