China to phase out live poultry sale at markets

China has disclosed plan to gradually phase out the sale and slaughter of live poultry at food markets, in a move welcomed by animal rights activists.
This announcement came as China stepped up inspections of wholesale food markets and outlawed the sale and consumption of wildlife, after both COVID-19 outbreaks in Wuhan and Beijing were found to be originated from wholesale markets.
An officer from the State Administration of Market Regulations said, “China will restrict the trading and slaughter of live poultry, encourage the mass slaughter of live poultry in places with certain conditions, and gradually close live poultry markets.”
Live poultry kept in small cages is a common sight in agricultural wholesale food markets and the smaller wet markets across China.
Mainland Chinese consumers believe that slaughtering live animals before eating them ensure maximum freshness. The officer urged local provincial governments to strengthen supervision of food safety at agricultural wholesale markets. This is because more than 70% of meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables supplies enter the market through 4,100 wholesale markets in China.