China’s Disputed Virus Theory Has Shoppers Shunning Foreign Food
- Drastic steps taken to curb infection risk via overseas goods
- Global health bodies see little risk of transmission via food
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At an upscale supermarket west of Beijing, a box of disposable gloves stands in front of a glass counter selling Australian beef. Next to it is a sign saying: “Please buy this with peace of mind.”
“All the imported meats here have undergone nucleic acid testing. Consumers need not worry,” promises Li Xingzhen, a manager at Ole supermarket, which imports about 70% of its groceries. Her pledge offers a look at the new challenges facing retailers as many Chinese shoppers grow reluctant to buy overseas food products after Covid-19 infections were reported among people handling such items.