COVID-19 Resources
Collaboration is at the heart of the Alaska seafood industry
Amid the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, ASMI is helping our industry navigate these uncharted waters by working with global health experts, state and local officials and Alaska seafood economists to provide the up-to-date resources and information.
COVID-19 Impact Reporting
ASMI is working with McKinley Research (formerly McDowell Group) to track and report on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Alaska’s seafood industry. This work includes briefing papers, summary reports as well as harvester and processor surveys.
COVID Impact Surveys
In March 2021, McKinley Research Group conducted a survey on behalf of ASMI to measure the pandemic’s impact on Alaska’s commercial fishermen during the 2020 season. This is the first study focused solely on measuring the scale and breadth of the pandemic’s effects on the state’s
commercial seafood industry.
COVID Impact Briefing Papers & Additional Documents
Fall 2022 Briefing Paper
March 2022 Briefing Paper
November 2021 Briefing Paper
July 2021 Briefing Paper
March 2021 Briefing Paper
February 2021 Briefing Paper
January 2021 Briefing Paper
October 2020 Briefing Paper
September 2020 Briefing Paper
August 2020 Briefing Paper
Alaska Seafood COVID-19 Impacts
Summary: COVID-19 Disruptions to Alaska’s Seafood Industry and Communities, Feb 2021
Food Safety and COVID-19
Leading public health and food safety organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) continue to affirm that there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 is spread through food, food containers, or food packaging. These science-based findings, combined with the Alaska seafood industry’s adherence to the highest food safety and hygiene standards, provide confidence that Alaska seafood is safe to eat and can be enjoyed without concern.
The Alaska seafood industry’s number one priority is the health and safety of all. Seafood industry members – from fishermen, to processors to fisheries managers — are working tirelessly in collaboration with community leaders, public health officials, medical experts and state and local governments to implement extensive protocols ensuring the health and safety of Alaska’s fishing communities and Alaska seafood workforce, so that this ‘essential critical infrastructure’ service can continue to safely supply sustainably-harvested food for Alaskans, Americans and the world.
The following information is intended to be used as a basis for communication with external stakeholders about COVID-19 and the Alaska seafood industry. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is the lead agency for the US government on the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, and is the primary source of guidance regarding the spread of the virus. This and other information on health and preparedness recommendations can be found on the CDC website at or at the FDA website.
Click here for ASMI’s current statement on Food Safety and COVID-19. (Updated February 19, 2021)
Food Safety Facts
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Can the virus be spread through food?
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- The CDC, FDA, WHO and the European Food Safety Authority continue to affirm that there are no confirmed cases of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19
- The USDA, FDA Underscore Current Epidemiologic and Scientific Information Indicating No Transmission of COVID-19 Through Food or Food Packaging
- Alaska seafood is safe to eat and can be enjoyed without concern.
- Currently, there is no evidence that food is associated with transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 (CDC).
- There is no evidence of the virus spreading to consumers through food or packaging potentially handled by that workers that tested positive for COVID-19 in food production and processing facilities (CDC).
- Alaska seafood is a healthy source of essential vitamins and nutrients and eating Alaska seafood supports a healthy immune system.
- The virus that causes COVID-19 cannot grow on food. However, everyone is encouraged to follow proper food safety protocols, including safely handling seafood and washing your hands before consuming food (CDC).
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Straight from the experts
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Food Safety:
“Despite the many billions of meals consumed and food packages handled since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, to date there has not been any evidence that food, food packaging or food handling is a source or important transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 resulting in COVID-19”.
“Considering that there are to date, no proven cases or scientific associations between food consumption and COVID-19, it is highly unlikely that SARS-CoV-2 constitutes a food safety risk.”
“SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted from person-to-person over close distances via droplets/aerosols from the nose and/or mouth.”
SARS-CoV-2 should not be considered a food safety hazard since a true food safety hazard enters the human body with food via the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, where it can infect organs/tissues elsewhere in the human body.
ICMSF Opinion on SARS-CoV-2 and its relationship to food safety, released Sept 3, 2020
“The United States understands the concerns of consumers here domestically and around the world who want to know that producers, processors and regulators are taking every necessary precaution to prioritize food safety especially during these challenging times. However, efforts by some countries to restrict global food exports related to COVID-19 transmission are not consistent with the known science of transmission.”
“There is no evidence that people can contract COVID-19 from food or from food packaging. The U.S. food safety system, overseen by our agencies, is the global leader in ensuring the safety of our food products, including product for export.”
USDA and FDA joint statement released June 24, 2020
The above statements are consistent with findings from both the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO).
Trade:
“U.S. exporters of FDA-regulated food products are responsible for following U.S. laws and regulations and following the requirements of the countries to which they export. FDA food safety requirements are robust and ensure that food produced for both domestic consumption and export is safe. The FDA is also communicating its understanding of the science related to COVID-19 transmission and food safety to foreign governments.” Read More
FDA guidance for seafood exporters regarding recent requests for commitments on food safety related to COVID-19, released July 29, 2020
Additional Resources for Industry
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For Foodservice/Retail
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Preparation Resources:
- Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Service – The Food and Drug Administration
Action Plan Resources:
- FAQs and guidelines for the food industry related to COVID-19 – Food and Drug Administration
- COVID-19 resource webpage from the Food Industry Association has guidance for best practices, supply chain resources, action plan templates and more to support the food industry
- Protocols for when an employee tests positive – Food Industry
Latest updates:
- Food and Drug Administration COVID-19 page
Talking points:
- Talking points for foodservice staff and takeout customers, and FAQs regarding the safety and importance of including seafood in a healthy diet – National Fisheries Institute (NFI)
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For Alaska Seafood Industry
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Preparation Resources:
Action plan resources:
- International protocols for food and workforce safety by FAO and WHO serves as the guidance document for food production industries. Please see COVID-19 and food safety: guidance for food businesses.
- Draft procedures for shore and sea-based processing facilities – Discovery Health MD
- Interim Guidance for Seafood Processing Worksites – CDC, OSHA, FDA
Latest Updates:
- Health mandates – State of Alaska
Other Resources:
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For Alaska Fishermen
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Preparation Resources:
- E-mail updates, onboard procedures, economic relief and links to downloadable resources – United Fishermen of Alaska
Action resources:
- Draft onboard procedure documents – Discovery Health MD
- Bristol Bay COVID-19 Fishermen’s Handbook – Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association
Latest Updates:
- Health mandates – State of Alaska
Other resources:
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For Direct Marketers
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Preparation Resources:
- Tips for Managing Risk and Uncertainty in Your Fishing Business – Alaska Sea Grant
- FishBiz Project – Alaska Sea Grant
Action plan resources:
Latest Updates:
- Health mandates – State of Alaska
Other resources:
- Local Catch list of resources