Are Indian 'wet markets' safe?

The term "wet market " was not that popular before the world was hit by the deadly novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. According to world meter, until now 1,542,894 people died and 46,660,007 have recovered from COVID-19. The source of the outbreak of the coronavirus was the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, a wet market in Wuhan, China.

What are 'Wet Markets'?

A wet market is multiple open-air stalls spread over a large area that sell vegetables, fruits, meat and fresh seafood. Some slaughter and sell live animals on-site, including poultry and fish. As these markets are known as wet markets because water and ice are used to keep food and meat fresh. However, consumption of meat does not increase the risk of disease transmission. Strict regulations are levied due to the potential danger of the origin of diseases from wet markets and food habits.

How far India equips to prevent?

To maintain the food standard FSSAI governs the aspect of license and registration of food businesses, including meat and meat-based products also at the supermarkets. As stated in Regulation 2.1, all food business operators in the country are required to be registered.

Mandatory Steps Taken by FSSAI

A valid license is needed for any food-related operation and to ensure safety, sanitary and hygienic conditions. This act certainly made the closure of illegal slaughterhouses and butcher shops. Such businesses are now required to obtain proper licenses and follow hygiene-related guidelines laid by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Where permission for slaughtering is only given only to goat, sheep, pigs, bovine, poultry and fish to be slaughtered. Nonetheless, the Animal Welfare Board of India has the power to inspect any slaughterhouse, without any notice, to corroborate that the provisions of these rules are complied with.

The world will certainly come to the fore from the grasp of COVID-19, but any country with wet markets and animal-based food practices needs to beware from any zoonotic-based outbreak.