Onsite tasting of imported cold chain foods such as salmon and tuna have been cancelled during the third CIIE (China International Import Expo) this year.

Moreover, sample tests of imported cold-storage foods will be subject to strict scrutiny before being displayed at the import fair, due to the pandemic, according to the Shanghai Market Supervision and Management Bureau.

(Chefs cut a bluefin tuna at the 2019 CIIE)

During the 2019 CIIE, visitors to the Food and Agricultural Products exhibition area were impressed by the cutting of a 250-kilo bluefin tuna. People also tasted Norwegian chilled salmon and a variety of other cold chain foods.

Because of the special anti-epidemic prevention and control measures this year, the management of cold chain foods for the 2020 CIIE is stricter. The authorities have made clear plans for imported foods’ concentrated storage after they pass the inspection and quarantine at Shanghai Customs. Under a closed-loop framework, the imports will be transferred to the warehouse in batches and brought to the exhibition venue later in one group. To further ensure food security, nucleic acid sampling tests on food and food-related products will also be conducted.