Can I get COVID-19 from food, food packaging, or food containers and preparation area?

A: Currently there is no evidence of food, food containers, or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. Like other viruses, it is possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects.

Is it safe to shop for food during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As grocery shopping remains a necessity during this pandemic, many people have questions about how to shop safely. 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.

Am I at risk for COVID-19 from touching food or packaging?

Again, there is no evidence of food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19. However, if you wish, you can wipe down product packaging and allow it to air dry, as an extra precaution.

Can COVID-19 be transmitted through food?

Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of the coronavirus. It's important to recognize that unlike foodborne gastrointestinal (GI, or stomach-related) viruses that often make people ill through contaminated food, coronavirus is a virus that causes respiratory (breathing-related) illness. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

What are the risks of food from takeout or drive-thru food?

• There is no current indication that takeout or drive-thru meals will increase illness.
• This option is a good risk management choice, especially for high risk and elderly groups because it reduces the number of touch points.

More than 1,000 queue in Geneva to get free food parcels amid coronavirus lockdown

Can I get COVID-19 from a food worker handling my food?

Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.

What is the safest way to go out to eat during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Picking up food while wearing a mask or having it delivered to your door still remains a safest way to enjoy a meal that wasn't cooked at home. The CDC describes drive-through, delivery, takeout, and curbside pick up options as the lowest risk way to dine out.

Is the U.S. food supply safe?

Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.

Unlike foodborne gastrointestinal (GI) viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is a virus that causes respiratory illness and not gastrointestinal illness, and foodborne exposure to this virus is not known to be a route of transmission.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. It’s always important to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill.

Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted through the consumption of cooked foods, including animal products?

There is currently no evidence that people can catch COVID-19 from food. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be killed at temperatures similar to that of other known viruses and bacteria found in food.

Can fruits carry the coronavirus?

As all Americans struggle to adapt to the reality of daily life during the coronavirus pandemic, it is important to know that there is no evidence people can be exposed through food.

The spread pattern for coronavirus is quite different from those of foodborne pathogens like salmonella and E. coli.

Can you contract the coronavirus disease by touching a surface?

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. The coronavirus is mostly spread from one person to another through respiratory droplets.

Can you contract COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces?

People could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects – and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. If they are standing within one meter of a person with COVID-19 they can catch it by breathing in droplets coughed out or exhaled by them. In other words, COVID-19 spreads in a similar way to flu.

Should I avoid touching surfaces when shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Research suggests that COVID-19 is more commonly spread from respiratory droplets passed from people in close contact than from touching surfaces. It is possible but probably less common that those droplets land on surfaces, and then a person gets infected by touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes, after touching the surface (source). Washing your hands with soap and water (or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer) regularly and avoiding touching your face will help with this concern. Another important way to avoid getting the virus while shopping is to wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet away from others.

How can I stay safe while grocery shopping?

• Stay at least six-feet away from other shoppers.
• Don't shake hands, hug or have any physical contact.
• Wipe down grocery carts or basket handles with disinfectant wipes if you have them.
• Don't touch your face.
• Wear a cloth face mask.
• While waiting and after leaving the store, use hand sanitizer if you have it.

What are some precautions to take when storing groceries during the coronavirus disease pandemic?

Before eating, rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins and rinds that are not eaten. Scrub firm produce with a clean produce brush. For canned goods, remember to clean lids before opening.

When unpacking groceries, refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other perishables—like berries, lettuce, herbs, and mushrooms—within 2 hours of purchasing.

Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen counters using a commercially available disinfectant product.

Is carry out grocery or getting it delivered at home safe during COVID-19?

Food deliveries and carry-out food Carry-out and delivery are generally considered low-risk activities for contracting or spreading COVID-19, and they are a great way to support your local business community during these difficult times. However, you can take some steps to further decrease the risk.

What animals can contract COVID-19?

• Recent experimental research shows that many mammals, including cats, dogs, bank voles, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, mink, pigs, rabbits, racoon dogs, tree shrews, and white-tailed deer can be infected with the virus.

Can animals spread COVID-19?

Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

Will microwaving my takeout protect me from COVID-19?

According to the CDC, microwaves have been proven to kill bacteria and viruses when zapping the food from 60 seconds to five minutes. But not all microwaves emit the same power and cook in the same way.

Is it safe to accept food from countries or states impacted by the coronavirus?

Currently, there is no data to suggest that accepting food from an area impacted by COVID-19 is a risk factor for disease spread.

Is it safe to eat from salad bars during the coronavirus outbreak?

In communities with sustained transmission of COVID-19, state and local health authorities have implemented social-distancing measures which discourage or prohibit dining in congregate settings. We also recommend discontinuing self-service buffets and salad bars until these measures are lifted.

Is food imported from countries and states affected by the coronavirus at risk of spreading it?

• Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.

Can you contract COVID-19 from food packaging?

Given that the number of virus particles that could be theoretically picked up by touching a surface would be very small and the amount needed for infection via oral inhalation would be very high, the chances of infection by touching the surface of food packaging or eating food is considered to be extremely low.

What should people ask before visiting a pool or spa during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Before visiting a pool or spa, people should ask two questions: What is the facility doing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and what is the process they are using to ensure the virus does not spread throughout their establishment.

From there, you can go into some specifics.

• What disinfectant is in use?
• What is the social distancing process and how is it being reinforced?
• How many people are allowed in the facility at any given time?
• How often are shared spaces being disinfected?
• Is shared equipment being cleaned between each customer?

What are some of the most effective foods to reduce inflammation during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Foods to help you reduce inflammation include: Apples, berries, tomatoes, celery and onions (veggies and fruits) Yogurt, sauerkraut and kombucha (probiotics) Salmon, walnuts and chia seeds (omega-3 fatty acids)