Circular on disinfection of packaging material

THE MARINE PRODUCTS EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY KOCHI -682 036

File No: QC-SI/GDLN/1/2020-QC Date: 27/09/2021 CIRCULAR Sub : Disinfection of packaging material - Reg Madam/ Sir, As you are aware, MPEDA had approached Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad to suggest suitable disinfection protocols for the seafood industry to overcome the issue of alleged detection of Covid-19 nucleic acid material in the packaging material by the Chinese authorities. The scientists of CCMB visited a seafood processing unit and understood the process and collected various samples from different locations of the processing unit & have carried out extensive studies. Based on the studies CCMB recommends the use of 1% sodium hypochlorite for complete removal of SARS-CoV-2 from both cardboard and LDPE surfaces, so that no SARS-CoV-2 RNA traces are detected by RT-PCR test. They have also added that "it is important to ensure that the spray covers the entire They have also added that it is important to ensure that the spray covers the entire surface of the packaging material for complete removal of the viral material. The material should be left untouched/ undisturbed for some time so that the hypochlorite performs its function and doesn't get removed." CCMB gave a contact time of 20 minutes before carrying out the tests during their study. Therefore, all seafood processing units may be requested to follow the above recommendations by CCMB to alleviate the risk of detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA traces on packaging material. The handling of such disinfected cartons may be carried out following Covid -19 preventive protocols, and only by workers who are vaccinated with both the doses, and confirmed 1 | P a g e p otoco s, a d o y by o e s o a e acc ated t bot t e doses, a d co ed Covid negative by appropriate means to ensure that there is no contamination during stuffing of containers.

In addition, the unit shall also strictly ensure adherence to Covid -19 preventive protocols in all process steps right from harvest to shipment to avoid contamination risks. (DR. RAM MOHAN M K) JOINT DIRECTOR (QC) For circulation: All RDs & SRDs of MPEDA CC:

1. JS, EP(MP), DOC
2. EIC of India
3. National President, SEAI
4. FT (NEA) Division, DOC 2 | P a g e

Digitally signed by MOHANCOTTAGE KESHAVKRUP RAMMOHAN DN: c=IN, o=Personal, title=5764, pseudonym=c1c3a8e4838adf025ff 4ff44e13e6123166366df, 2.5.4.20=fe17113a89c426edae138e e8621692d00bde35d4230afb78c64 95699baaa8664, postalCode=688005, st=Kerala, serialNumber=f2608fe2169c6cebb 3625ddfb68b58806eb494c5712cd6 91148d07cd747366ea, cn=MOHANCOTTAGE KESHAVKRUP RAMMOHAN Date: 2021.09.27 15:44:48 +05'30'