Coronavirus Outbreak at Tyson Foods Prompts China to Halt Poultry Import

China suspended poultry imports from a single Tyson Foods facility following a coronavirus outbreak at the plant, while Beijing faced a second wave of COVID-19 infections. China’s General Administration of Customs announced the ban June 21, although one media report said products that already arrived in Hong Kong were being seized. According to UPI, Chinese officials used a serial number to identify the plant, which according to Tyson records is its Berry Street facility in the company’s headquarters city of Springdale, Ark.

China imposed the ban after ramping up coronavirus containment efforts in its capital where, after a period of dormancy, 100 new cases were reported over a five-day period. According to a report on CNBC, a Tyson spokesman said the company was looking into the issue, adding that the company works closely with authorities to ensure its food is produced in full compliance with government safety requirements.

Tyson Foods recently announced the results of Covid-19 testing done at its northwest Arkansas facilities, citing that nearly 95% of the facilities' team members who tested positive for the virus did not show any symptoms and otherwise would not have been identified. According to the release, Tyson has put in place protective steps in collaboration with local health and government officials that meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidance for preventing COVID-19 at its facilities.