Being healthy starts with properly fueling our body. Here are some general food safety tips, including information about food safety and COVID-19:
- Keep all fruits and vegetables separate from meat in the shopping cart, in shopping bags, and in the refrigerator at home will help prevent foodborne illness.
- Preparation is key, starting with washing hands before handling foods (and before eating) and washing utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water.
- It is important to rinse unwashed fruits and vegetables in clean running water and use a soft brush to scrub them off even if the fruit or vegetable has a peel; make sure to cut away any damaged or bruised parts.
- Some individuals are at a higher risk of foodborne illness, so if you are unsure about consuming anything raw, cook fruits and vegetables.
- According to the US Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control, there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through food or food packaging.
Grocery stores are doing their part to help maintain a clean and safe environment as well for all customers, including marking floors to aid in social distancing while shopping. Wearing face masks to help limit any airborne droplets during shopping as a result of talking, coughing or sneezing is important. Additionally, retailers have adjusted hours and staffing to clean and disinfect and limit consumer traffic for individuals that have health conditions. Some larger retailers in the area have also included disinfecting carts as part of the process. Grocery store policies are set by local and state agencies, but many retailers are going above and beyond to help ensure the safety of consumers and their employees. Check each retailer’s website for more information on the steps they are taking to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
For more information on COVID-19 and food safety, visit https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/shopping-food-during-covid-19-pandemic-information-consumers
For additional guidance on food safety, visit The Centers for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html
