Covid-19 and Food Safety FAQ: Is Coronavirus a Concern at Grocery Stores?
ID
VCE-368-17NP
CDC, FDA and USDA are not aware of any reports at this time that suggest COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging. Current evidence shows the biggest risk of transmission of COVID-19 is being around individuals who are symptomatic (and to a lesser extent, infected but not showing symptoms.) Food businesses should be following employee health policies and local health department recommendations to keep these individuals home.
CAN I GET SICK WITH COVID-19 FROM TOUCHING FOOD OR PACKAGING IF THE VIRUS WAS PRESENT ON IT?
- There is no indication that food packaging material has served in significant connection to virus transmission.
- If concerned, handling of food packaging can be followed with handwashing and/or using hand sanitizer.
WHAT STEPS CAN I TAKE TO MINIMIZE RISK WHEN SHOPPING AT THE GROCERY STORE?
- Use hand sanitizer when entering stores, and wash hands and/or use sanitizer as soon as possible after leaving.
- Wear a cloth face covering while shopping.
- Try to maintain social distancing as much as possible while shopping.
- Avoid touching surfaces or items unnecessarily and avoid touching your mouth, nose or face.
- Do not go shopping when showing symptoms or think you have been exposed to the virus.
HOW SHOULD PRODUCE BE HANDLED?
- Consider using hand sanitizer before and after selecting produce items.
- Avoid touching multiple produce items when making selections.
- As per good food handling practices in general, wash hands before food preparation or eating, avoid touching the face and consider supplementing handwashing with the use of hand sanitizer.
WHAT IS MY GROCERY STORE DOING TO MINIMIZE MY RISK?
- Many stores are following CDC guidelines on cleaning and disinfection. Some are limiting hours to allow for additional cleaning and disinfection.
- Stores may also be providing hand sanitizer to customers and be asking sick employees or customers to leave.
- Grocery employees are essential employees and encouraged to wear cloth face coverings
- Stores may also limit the number of people allowed to shop at one time, and enforce physical distancing while in line inside and outside the store.
Stay informed: ext.vt.edu/covid-19updates
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
Updated April 27, 2020
Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law
Publication Date
March 20, 2020
