COVID-19: Should You Wipe Down Your Food Or Packages?
The coronavirus outbreak still has consumers wondering when shopping for groceries, should they wipe their food or food packaging. The FDA seems to be changing its tune.
In a news release, the FDA wrote, “We want to reassure consumers that there is currently no evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.”
The coronavirus causes respiratory illness and is spread from person-to-person, unlike foodborne gastrointestinal or GI viruses, such as norovirus and hepatitis that often make people ill through contaminated food.
In response to the FDA, NBC investigative and consumer correspondent Vicky Nguyen told TODAY, “You’re really more likely to get it from going to the grocery store and touching a dirty handle or doorknob and then touching your face.”
Nguyen added, “Just remember, the main modes of transmission are going to be coughing and sneezing, being in close proximity with other people or touching those high-touch surfaces when you’re out and about.”
Click here to watch the full interview with Vicky Nguyen.
FDA has heard your concerns about shopping for #food safely. We want to assure you there is currently NO evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the #COVID19 . More food shopping info here: https://t.co/fYSYA9TH2R
— FDA FOOD (Ctr for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition) (@FDAfood) April 16, 2020
