Home Coronavirus COVID-19 And Food Safety (Video)

COVID-19 And Food Safety (Video)

Social distancing, hand-washing not touching your face and disinfecting surfaces are some ways to avoid contracting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. But what about the food you eat? Can you get sick with COVID-19 by eating contaminated fruits, vegetables or other foods?

Dr. Abinash Virk, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist, says the risk of exposure from food is unknown, but likely very low. But she also suggests that people wash certain foods before eating them.

“The biggest risk of contracting the virus from food would be if you touch food that’s been exposed and then touch your face,” says Dr. Virk. “In that sense it is best to wash your hands before and after handling food and washing unpeeled fruits and vegetables before you eat them.”

Dr. Virk says the virus only lasts on objects, such as foods, for one to three days.

Faith Based Events

Cooking kills the virus

“There’s one good thing about the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” says Dr. Virk. “It is what we call an ‘enveloped’ virus. And an enveloped virus is a little bit more susceptible to heat, bleaching, drying and antiseptics. It is easier to kill than some other viruses. So heating a vegetable or heating some food will inactivate the virus.”

Wash unpeeled fruits and vegetables with soap and water

“I have an issue with eating unwashed fruit and vegetables, even when COVID-19 is not around,” says Dr. Virk. “I want to wash them thoroughly. So if I eat an apple and I’m unable to peel it, I will wash it with soap and bottled water. I do that when I travel and at home. I would do that right now. The risk is low, but you don’t know if it has been handled by someone who was ill or not. Be on the safe side.”

Dr. Virk says that when you eat a fruit that you peel, such as a banana, you don’t need to wash it first. But she suggests washing your hands before and after you peel the fruit and before you touch the edible inside.

Take out food and COVID-19

When ordering take out food, Dr. Virk says to wash your hands before you touch the containers. Then empty the contents, wash your hands again and enjoy the meal.

[vc_message message_box_style=”solid-icon” message_box_color=”blue”]Mayo Clinic, posted on SouthFloridaReporter.comApril 8, 2020

‘Courtesy: Abinash Virk, M.D. / Infectious Diseases / Mayo Clinic.’[/vc_message]


Disclaimer

The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components