By Cheryl Mussatto MS, RD, LD
News on COVID-19 has overtaken our lives like no other worldwide event in many, many years. From vigilant hand washing to practicing social distancing, no one has been spared the magnitude this unseen virus has unleashed. Many are questioning, what about food safety? Can COVID-19 be transmitted through eating and what can we do to protect ourselves and others?
During this historic and unprecedented time, this is what you need to know concerning the safety of what you are eating and reduce chance of viral contamination:
Is the U.S. food supply safe?
The short answer is yes, the U.S. food supply is safe. The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) is not a foodborne illness but rather a respiratory illness. It attacks the lungs but not the digestive system, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Viruses such as norovirus, salmonella, and hepatitis A can be contracted through contaminated food and water. However, Covid-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2 which causes respiratory illnesses but with no known means of transmission through food. This virus is believed to be mainly spread from being in close contact (less than 6 feet) with other people through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. People exposed to these droplets that land in their mouth or nose, can be inhaled into the lungs. While the virus may be transmitted by touching a surface or object with it and then touching your mouth or nose, this not believed to be the main mode of transmission. Preventing foodborne illnesses can be achieved by practicing the 4 steps of food safety :
- Clean – Wash kitchen surfaces often and always wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom
- Separate – Do not cross contaminate
- Cook – Cook to proper temperature
- Chill – Refrigerate or freeze promptly
How can I be sure eating takeout from restaurants is safe during COVID-19?
This is a valid question that is natural for us to worry about. We want to support local restaurants by ordering take out or delivery options but to also be safe. Generally it is safe to order and eat takeout food – restaurant employees are well-trained and will be wearing gloves. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture currently state that there is no evidence COVID-19 has spread through food or food packaging.
Foods that are well-cooked should be free of any microbes and safe for consumption. Undercooked or raw foods have more of a risk of carrying a virus that can cause a digestive illness – food safety experts agree that foods that are properly cooked for a long enough time at a high enough temperature can kill harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. During this pandemic, the main concerns would be if someone working at the restaurant is infected with the virus, coughs or sneezes and the droplets land on the food. If the takeout food is delivered to your home, have the delivery person leave the food at your doorstep. Remove takeout food from the container or box (throw this away) and place on a plate – do not eat food while still in a takeout box. You can also use a cloth of soap and water to wipe down the takeout containers before removing the food, if you want. Be sure to wash your hands before eating.