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Maharashtra minister says unscientific to link coronavirus to poultry, warns of strict action against rumour-mongers

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also asserted that there is no scientific evidence to show that the coronavirus spreads through eating chicken, mutton and seafood.

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There is no threat of contracting the novel coronavirus from consuming poultry products, Maharashtra Animal Husbandry Minister Sunil Kedar clarified on Wednesday.

The clarification by the minister came amid rumours on social media that humans may get infected from COVID-19 due to consumption of seafood, chicken or other meat. Prices of poultry products have crashed following misinformation on social media.

The minister said that claims that a person can catch the coronavirus from eating chicken or other poultry products are unscientific and baseless. 

"Farmers involved in poultry production are severely affected because of rumours that the coronavirus spreads through poultry," Kedar said.

Earlier this month, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had asserted that there is no scientific evidence to show that the coronavirus spreads through eating chicken, mutton and seafood. 

Telangana ministers even consumed chicken publicly to allay fears.  

Kedar warned that strict action will be taken against those spreading such false information, adding that at least two persons have been arrested for spreading false information related to the infection.

He said authorities are tracking down rumour-mongers and they will be dealt with strictly. 

As per the 'Maharashtra COVID-19 Regulations 2020' issued by the state Health Department on Saturday those who spread rumours or fake news about coronavirus will be held responsible under section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 and will be booked under section 188 of the IPC.

Maharashtra Cyber Police has also stepped up vigil against rumour-mongers on social media and has warned of strict action against those who spread misleading and unverified information regarding COVID-19.

Police have stepped up online surveillance to identify senders of such fake news and other content, a senior official said. 

India has so far reported 151 positive cases of coronavirus with Maharashtra recording most at 42, followed by Kerala at 30. 

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