In spite of assurances from health officials that there is little chance of catching COVID-19 through your food, folks continue to ask questions that reflect a basic lack of understanding about how the coronavirus is transmitted. Here are a few of the most common queries…
The new normal for the restaurant business. But are take-out and delivery orders safe?
The experts say yes, if you observe the recommended no-contact protocols…
Q. Can COVID-19 be transmitted via food?
As we’ve said in previous posts, this is deemed unlikely, according to virus experts. The virus has a relatively short lifespan on food and doesn’t multiply on food.
Q. Does cooking kill COVID-19?
Assuming any virus gets through the proper food prep routine, experts say COVID-19 is likely just as susceptible to normal oven or stove-top cooking temperatures as other viruses associated with food.
Q. Is it safe to eat foods that are normally consumed raw?
Most of the foods that are normally eaten raw are Fruits and Veggies, and are perfectly safe to eat once they’ve been thoroughly washed, per the usually food handling guidelines. No need, experts say, to do anything above and beyond that.
Q. Can I get COVID-19 off of food packaging?
Most likely not. As we said earlier, the virus is transmitted in moisture droplets and has a limited lifespan on dry surfaces. If any virus particles do land on food packaging, they will probably die a normal death during shipping.
Q. Should I avoid food that comes from COVID-19 hot spots?
No. There are no reported cases of the virus being detected on imported foods.
Q. Should I wash my reusable grocery bags?
It’s probably not necessary, but it’s a good practice anyway. Reusable plastic and cloth bags get food food residues and spills on them in routine use and should be laundered regularly, virus or no virus.
That’s just a sample…
Many questions are being asked about COVID-19 and how it is transmitted. The main points to remember are:
- It is transmitted in moisture droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or even breathes heavily.
- It has a short lifespan on dry surfaces.
- Social distancing recommendations are sufficient to keep you safe.
- It’s never been as important as it is now to wash your hands properly and frequently.
- Make every effort to avoid touching your face, as COVID-19 can get into your system through the mouth, nose and eyes.
- Many stores have put in place special procedures designed to protect you and their employees. Cooperate with store management and follow their rules.
- Your best protection against catching COVID-19 is to simply stay home as much as possible. Make shopping trips short and infrequent; for example, shop for food once a week rather than every day or so, as needs arise.
If you keep these points in mind, you can probably answer most of your own questions about COVID-19 and food.
And there you have it…
For more information on these and other food-related COVID-19 questions, visit the special Consumer Reports FAQs page.
I know it’s hard to stick with the lock down protocols. But just remember: Stay Home = Stay Safe.
~ Maggie J.