The central government addressed false rumours on Friday regarding coronavirus transmission through non-vegetarian foods including eggs, chicken, mutton, and seafood. Union Fisheries, Dairying and Animal Husbandry Minister Giriraj Singh stated that neither the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) nor India's food safety regulator FSSAI found scientific evidence supporting animal-to-human coronavirus transmission.
The Economic Cost of Misinformation
Singh expressed concern about the economic impact, noting that "thousands of farmers engaged in this business" have suffered losses. The poultry sector alone experienced approximately Rs 2,000 crore daily losses, with chicken prices declining roughly 70 percent within a month to Rs 30 per kilogram in wholesale markets.
"The false rumour has hit thousands of farmers engaged in this business. The livelihood of farmers..."
— Giriraj Singh, Union Minister, MoFAHD
Minister Giriraj Singh refutes coronavirus rumours about non-vegetarian food
Lucknow DM Order — Misinterpreted
Singh attributed some panic to misinterpretation of a Lucknow District Magistrate's order regarding poultry sector hygiene standards. He clarified that Indian poultry products remain safe for consumption when general hygiene standards are maintained.
"The consumption of Indian poultry products including eggs is safe and general hygiene, however, must be maintained."
— Giriraj Singh, Union Minister, MoFAHD
MoS Sanjeev Balyan & Indirect Impact on Crop Farmers
Minister of State for Fisheries, Dairying and Animal Husbandry Sanjeev Balyan also urged citizens to disregard social media rumours. Additionally, maize and soya farmers faced indirect consequences, as these crops serve as animal feed in poultry production.