The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) asked states to remove any restrictions related to fears of coronavirus spread imposed on transportation, storage, and sale of frozen foods or food served cold.
FSSAI has repeatedly said there is no evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of COVID-19.
“There is a need to counter myths and misinformation. Several instances have been brought to the notice of the Authority where products such as frozen food, food served cold/ chilled, etc. were selectively not allowed to be transported, stored or sold, ostensibly on the notion that they could promote the spread of COVID-19,” FSSAI said in a statement. According to the Press Trust of India, states have been instructed to follow a non-discriminatory approach while dealing with food businesses in the lockdown and even post lockdown period. The FSSAI has also issued detailed guidelines for food business operators and started an online training program to help them maintain safety and hygiene across the food supply chain during the coronavirus outbreak.