Virginia Tech® home

COVID-19 FAQ for Grocery Stores: Cleaning and Disinfection

ID

FST-368-6NP

Authors as Published

Renee Boyer, Professor and Extension Specialist, Food Science and Technology, Virginia Tech; and Ben Chapman, Professor and Food Safety Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University

There is no CDC report that COVD-19 is transmitted through food, but evidence suggests it may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces. CDC recommends cleaning followed by disinfection as a best practice for prevention of COVID-19.

WHAT DISINFECTANTS SHOULD BE USED?

  • CDC advises using compounds on the list of EPA recommended disinfectants, which can be found at: go.ncsu.edu/epacovid-19. (Note: this list is based on current data, but compounds have not been validated for inactivation of the virus causing COVID-19)
  • Check with chemical suppliers to see if disinfectants are on the lists, effective and if changes need to be made for them to be used effectively.
  • To use heat, run utensils or equipment through a commercial dishwasher that will heat to 145°F (65°C) or higher for five minutes or longer. Alternatively, hot water maintained at or above 145°F (65°C) can be used.

HOW SHOULD SURFACES AND SELF-SERVICE AREAS BE HANDLED?

  • EPA recommended commercial disinfectants should be used on the following as often as is practical:
    • Shopping carts, shopping baskets and power scooters
    • Self-check out lines, counters, cafe areas (tables, chairs,
    • All self-service surfaces, including: buffet/salad bar lines, shakers, bottles, condiment stations, etc.
    • Restroom surfaces, including: doorknobs, faucets, handles, etc.
  • Avoid wiping surfaces with water only; use a disinfectant.
  • Utensils in self-service areas should be changed as often as possible. Management should assess how frequently they are used and make decisions.
  • Consider moving self-serve items like condiments and utensils to behind the employee counter to minimize contact, if possible.
QR code link to foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu

Stay informed: ext.vt.edu/covid-19updates
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
Updated April 27, 2020

VT logo
NS state extension logo

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 17, 2020