New report examines the impacts of COVID-19 control measures on food safety in East Africa

Following the global outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), measures to contain its spread have affected several aspects of the food value chain, including safety. Although COVID-19 is not transmitted through food, poor hygiene and sanitation can enhance its spread.

Scientists from the International Livestock Research Institute recently led a study to examine the impacts of COVID-19 mitigation measures on food safety in East Africa. The study findings have been published in a new discussion paper (May 2021). The authors also give recommendations on how to address future pandemics to minimize the negative impacts of zoonotic disease mitigation measures.

Photo credit: Fruit and vegetable on sale in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ILRI/Geraldine Klarenberg)