COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS
Is Our Food Safe From Covid-19
At this uncertain time many of you might be concerned with the spreading of COVID-19 through your food. With the influx of deliveries, how safe is it to order food as we’re trying to halt the spread of a highly contagious illness? Hopefully some evidence will help you feel more comfortable and less stressed when eating your next meal.
“There is currently little scientific information about the survival of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the surface of open food,” the FDA said. “Work with similar viruses shows that some food surfaces don’t allow the virus to survive at all.” “Nor is there any indication that people have contracted coronavirus, from consuming food.” said food-safety expert Benjamin Chapman, a professor at North Carolina State University.
“There is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted by eating food. I imagine that if this is possible, the risk is extremely low. Food is not inhaled into the respiratory tract and any virus present will likely be inactivated in the stomach” said Angela L. Rasmussen, PhD, a virologist in the faculty of the Center for Infection and Immunity at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, adding that she is not aware of any human coronaviruses that can be transmitted through food.
The FDA also said there’s no risk in the virus traveling on food surfaces from overseas. “COVID-19 is not transmitted through food or ingredients. Even if surfaces or packaging have been contaminated, the virus will only survive on such surfaces for a short period, therefore there is no risk of contamination.”
If you are concerned of packaging being contaminated, “Wash your own hands after removing the packaging and before eating your food,” said Craig Hedberg, a University of Minnesota professor and expert on food-borne illnesses.
Here at Evergreen Fine Fresh Foods we are taking all precautionary measures to assure the safety of our customers and the safety of our staff.
Best practices instructed by the CDC for illness prevention:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Keep yourself informed