DEAR FRIENDS,
Many of us have questions about the safety of our food and how to safely prepare our foods at home during this time of the coronavirus and COVID-19. After researching many reliable sources online (referenced below), I have come up with my 5 tips for food safety during this time.
I am reassured that according to the CDC and FDA websites, there is currently no evidence to support the transmission of COVID-10 by food, food containers, or food packaging. This coronavirus affects the respiratory system and is transmitted person-to-person through droplets coughed or sneezed into the air, landing in the nose, eyes, or mouth of another person. The virus may also be transmitted through a person touching a contaminated surface, and then touching their nose, eyes, or mouth. This coronavirus is not a foodbourne virus, such as norovirus or hepatitis A, which cause gastrointestinal illnesses. The risk of contracting COVID-19 from food is extremely low.
Our biggest defenses against this virus at this time are practicing social distancing - staying at least 6 feet away from others - and washing our hands with soap and water for 20 seconds many times throughout the day.
In addition, here are 5 things we should take into consideration to protect ourselves when shopping for groceries and preparing our food at home.
One of the biggest risks of grocery shopping are the shopping carts and baskets. Most stores have disinfectant wipes available next to the carts. Wipe your cart or basket. You can also wear gloves while shopping, but make sure you do not touch your face with your gloves, and remove and discard or wash them after you shop. Wear a cloth mask to help protect yourself and others. Also, remember to use hand sanitizer immediately after shopping and wash your hands with soap and water when you get home (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
Make a shopping list before you go to the store (FDA.gov). This will help make your shopping trip more intentional, reducing your time in the store. You might even save money by not browsing and buying things you don’t need! Also ask to bag your own groceries - one less person handling your purchases. Take advantage of grocery delivery services or shopping at “off-hours” if possible (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
When you bring your groceries home, you can wipe down food packaging with soap and water to disrupt the virus before putting them away. For non-perishables, you can let them sit in a designated place for 3 days before putting them away. The virus is known to survive up to 72 hours on hard surfaces, such as plastic and metal, and 24 hours on soft surfaces, such as cardboard and fabric. The coronavirus needs a live host to survive; it will inactivate over time on these surfaces. Make sure you clean and disinfect surfaces where you unload your groceries, and as always, wash your hands.
Always wash fresh produce - with both edible and inedible peels - in cool, running water. Do not use soaps or bleach as they can absorb in the porous outer layers of fruits and vegetables. Washing fruits and vegetables you will peel will help prevent transferring bacteria and dirt to the inside of the produce when it is sliced or peeled. Never wash raw meats or poultry, in order to avoid spreading bacteria around the kitchen, such as salmonella and campylobacter, that can make you sick. Cooking meats and poultry to the appropriate temperature will kill these pathogens, including the coronavirus (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics).
When ordering takeout foods, opt for minimal or contact-less delivery of takeout and delivered foods. Since the coronavirus can remain on surfaces for many hours, when you receive your food, it is suggested to discard cardboard and plastic food containers, placing food on your own dishes. Wash your hands with soap and water before eating (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
For a very informative website about food preparation and safety during this time of COVID-19, visit Serious Eats. Their articles related to cooking and food safety at this time are very interesting and well researched. They also offer delicious recipes and “how to” articles and videos for every level of home cook.
Wishing you good health!