The General Administration of Customs China (GACC) has officially requested the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to ensure that Canadian food and food processing establishments, that are eligible to export to China, follow measures to prevent any COVID-19 contamination of food products during food production and to take action if any food safety risks are identified.
The CFIA has not received any official notice of any new trade measures or requirements. CFIA understands from importers in China that food and food products imported into China may be tested for the COVID-19 virus as part of the import control process. Consequently, the clearance process may take longer. Exporters are encouraged to work with their importers in China and confirm with local customs officials at the proposed port of entry to determine whether their shipment is subject to the test.
The CFIA reiterates that there is no scientific evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus and there have been no confirmed cases of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19.
The Government of Canada continues to work with the Chinese government to reassure China of the strong measures in place in Canada to ensure the safety of the Canadian food supply and food and products exported from Canada.
