Covid-19: Chicken samples from Pedas factory test negative for virus

PETALING JAYA (May 14): "Whole chicken" samples obtained from the poultry processing factory in Pedas, Negeri Sembilan have tested negative for the coronavirus that causes the Covid-19 disease, The Star reported today.

There were concerns about the chicken being tainted by the virus when several workers from the Pedas factory were infected with Covid-19 last week. The factory has since been shut down until May 20.

"Tests to detect the Covid-19 virus were carried out using rt-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) method.

"The results obtained on May 9 showed that all the samples tested negative for the virus," the Veterinary Services Department said in a statement.

"We also wish to inform that through scientific studies carried out by various agencies and international institutions, including the University of Macau and the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), it has been proven that cows, goats, pigs and chickens do not spread Covid-19 virus to humans," the daily reported the department explaining in its statement.

The report also stated that World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) announced last month that “it was highly unlikely for people to contract Covid-19 from food and food packaging”.

WHO and FAO also “affirmed that the coronavirus could not multiply in food”.

Stay safe. Keep updated on the latest news at www.EdgeProp.my 

Click here to see residential properties for sale in Negeri Sembilan.