(Yicai Global) Aug. 14 -- Imported frozen meats and seafood have become the usual suspects in China's hunt to eliminate Covid-19 in its territory while the demand is slowly recovering.

The consumption of frozen salmon in Shanghai has returned to 70 percent or 80 percent of the normal levels, an experienced salmon importer told Yicai Global. China temporarily halted European imports of the fish in June after the virus was found on the surface of some frozen products.

"Keep calm and carry on," said an industry insider, adding that in the long-term, the demand for imported seafood should rebound.

Ecuadorian shrimp exporter Industrial Pesquera Santa Priscila resumed its China operations on Aug. 7 after the company's license was withdrawn on July 10 due to tainted seafood. But on Aug. 10, its shrimps were once again probed, now at a restaurant in Anhui province's Wuhu, and found to contain the virus.

Shenzhen's epidemic control agency yesterday reminded residents to be cautious when buying foreign meats and seafood after the city's officials detected Covid-19 on the skin of Brazilian frozen chicken wings.

The exporter turned out to be Cooperativa Central Aurora Alimentos, based in Santa Catarina which has logged 111,000 Covid-19 infections.

Editor: Emmi Laine