China-New Zealand relations: Wellington seeks clarification after seafood imports suspended
- Shipments from a Sanford facility that processes mussels and a Sealord Group fish processing plant have been suspended
- New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries said the move followed live video audits by Chinese Customs at both premises in late January
New Zealand said it is urgently seeking clarification from Chinese authorities after Beijing suspended imports from two of its seafood factories.
Shipments from a Sanford facility that processes mussels and a Sealord Group fish processing plant have been suspended due to “issues around the interpretation of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Covid guidance, and food safety management,” New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries said on Wednesday.
The move followed live video audits by Chinese Customs at both premises in late January, it said.
Chinese shoppers are growing reluctant to buy overseas food products after coronavirus infections were reported among people handling such items.
New Zealand has taken strong measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and does not have community transmission
Seafood imports by China tumbled 12.5 per cent last year, including a plunge of 32 per cent in December from a year ago.
Consumer distrust is being fuelled at least partly by statements from the government, which has taken increasingly drastic steps to curb the risk of the virus spreading via food imports even though most international health authorities have downplayed the likelihood of such transmission.