Are you worried about getting Covid-19 just from a trip to the grocery store? How should we Handling Packaged Food and Produce During a Pandemic?

You grab a can of beans, see a dent, and put it back for a new one. How many people have handled that same can of beans? From other shoppers to workers restocking the shelves, more than one person handles everyday goods and groceries.

The Facts

According to the CDC, there is no evidence to suggest that handling packaged foods is associated with Covid-19. Someone with Covid-19 would need to sneeze directly on the food, and you touch your mouth for it to pass it on to you. While the risk of infection from handling food products is low, it is still essential to follow good food safety practices. These good habits will ensure there is no risk of infection or illness from common foodborne pathogens.

Handling Packaged Food

Whether you get your packaged food from the grocery store or get delivered to your door, handling your packaged food appropriately is essential.

Here are my tips for handling packaged food:

  • Bacteria grows the fastest in temperatures between 40°F and 140°F. These numbers can double within 20 minutes if not properly handled. If you have any perishable foods that are out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, the best thing for your health is to throw them away.
  • When unpacking groceries, refrigerate your meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables immediately.
  • It is imperative not to clean any packaged food in cardboard or plastic wrap with chemicals made for hard surfaces, for example, bleach and ammonia or disinfectant wipes.
  • Wash all soiled reusable bags to prevent contaminating other foods and dry them with the warmest appropriate setting.

Tip: If you fall into a high-risk category for Covid-19 and you want to take extra precautions –  you could remove some items from their packaging and put them into zip lock bags, for example, baby carrots or grapes.

Handling and Cleaning Produce

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling produce. Cleaning your produce is simple and effective.

Here are my tips for handling produce:

  • Never wash your produce with soap, bleach, sanitizer, alcohol, or detergents. Any soap residue left on the food items could cause vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea when consumed.
  • If you have a produce brush, you can effectively clean the hard items’ crevices, such as potatoes and cucumbers.
  • Gently rinse your fresh fruits and vegetables with cold or lukewarm running tap water and dry with paper towels.

Tip: As a precaution, clean your produce with natural ingredients, such as vinegar, lemon, salt, pepper, and lime juice.

Meal Kits and Delivery

Since the breakout of Covid-19 in the United States, the demand for home delivery has increased exponentially. From grocery pickup or home delivery,

Here are my tips to staying safe with your home deliveries:

  • If you received a meal kit or frozen meal delivery, check the food’s temperatures with a thermometer. Milk, meat, and eggs must be 40°F or below.
  • Refrigerate or freeze all foods that won’t get eaten immediately.
  • Cooked meat and poultry can be kept safely at 40°F for four days.
  • Home-delivered meals that are delivered cold should get heated to a minimum of 165°
  • To help prevent your risk of getting Covid-19, pay online or over the phone if possible to minimize contact with someone else.

Tip: If you plan on reheating food in the microwave, I recommend covering the container and stirring or rotating the food if possible. This will further cook any cold spots that may contain bacteria.

Who is at risk

Some people are more at risk for foodborne illnesses than others:

  • Children under the age of 5
  • Adults over the age of 65
  • Those with weakened immune systems that may be weakened by illness or medical treatment
  • Pregnant woman

Be sure to wash your hands, clean your food, cook foods to the appropriate temperatures and refrigerate suitable foods.

Final Thoughts

Covid-19 has changed the way we handle food, and implementing precautions will protect you and your family. Our bodies are created to fight infections and illness, but putting them at risk can weaken our immune systems. Handle your packaged food and produce appropriately to ensure you stay safe and take care of your mind and body.

Follow me for more tips on food safety. Contact me if you need a consultation to discuss your cleaning needs!

Q&A

Can Covid-19 spread through food?

According to the CDC, there is no evidence to suggest that handling packaged foods is associated with Covid-19.

Can you clean packaged goods?

Do not clean any packaged food in cardboard or plastic wrap with chemicals made for hard surfaces, such as bleach and ammonia or disinfectant wipes. The risk of infection from these items is theoretical.

Can I get Covid-19 from a worker handling my food?

A worker with Covid-19 would need to sneeze or cough directly onto the food, and you consume it immediately afterward for there to be a risk of exposure. While the risk of infection from handling food products is low, it is still essential to follow good food safety practices

How to clean produce?

Run your fruit and veggies under cold tap water. You may use a produce brush for hard veggies such as potatoes and cucumbers. Dry the produce with paper towels or a clean cloth.

 

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