Expert: takeout, groceries low risk for COVID-19 transmission
Posted Apr 2, 2020 11:00:00 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Most of us are doing a great job self-isolating, going out only when necessary, for essential work or for groceries.
But going out to shop for groceries can still leave some a little vulnerable to contracting COVID-19.
Professor of Food Science at the University of Guelph, Jeff Farber tells Kitchener Today with Brian Bourke on 570 NEWS, the risk of transmission through fresh produce is low.
To give an example, he describes a hypothetical scenario where a sick person is handling broccoli at a grocery store.
“Firstly they would have to actually cough or sneeze onto the broccoli, then you would have to touch that broccoli probably within 30 minutes. To get sick, you would have to touch your nose, your mouth, ears or eyes. The coronavirus, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that wants to get into your lungs.”
Farber says disinfecting every grocery store item that comes into your house is not necessary.
“If you’re going to be putting them onto a kitchen counter, then once you’ve put your groceries way into the cupboard, it’s a good idea to disinfect where the food or the plastic bags were sitting. Again, we always recommend washing your hands with hot water and soap before you sit down to eat.”
He says risk of transmission from takeout food is low as well.
“Disinfect the surface that the package has been on. You’re taking the food out, then wash your hands before you start eating. It’s very, very low risk. We’ve had no cases at this time linked to food packaging or food consumption.”
