Is the U.S. food supply safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Currently there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. Facilities are required to use personnel practices that protect against contamination of food, food contact surfaces and packaging and to maintain clean and sanitized facilities and food contact surfaces.
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Can I get COVID-19 from food, food packaging, food containers, and preparation area?

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.

If you are concerned about contamination of food or food packaging, wash your hands after handling food packaging, after removing food from the packaging, before you prepare food for eating and before you eat. Consumers can follow CDC guidelines on frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; and frequently clean and disinfect surfaces.

It is always important to follow the 4 key steps of food safety—clean, separate, cook, and chill.

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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.
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Can food transmit coronavirus disease?

We are not aware of any reports at this time of human illnesses that suggest COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging.

However, it is always important to follow good hygiene practices (i.e., wash hands and surfaces often, separate raw meat from other foods, cook to the right temperature, and refrigerate foods promptly) when handling or preparing foods.

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Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted through food and food packaging?

The USDA and the FDA are sharing this update based upon the best available information from scientific bodies across the globe, including a continued international consensus that the risk is exceedingly low for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans via food and food packaging.
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COVID-19 and food safety



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.
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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.

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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.
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Is the food supply safe if food workers are exposed to or sick from COVID-19?

The U.S. food supply remains safe for both people and animals.

• There is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19 regardless of the status of the worker in a plant.
• FDA does not anticipate that food products will need to be recalled or be withdrawn from the market should a person that works on a farm or in a food facility test positive for COVID-19.

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Can COVID-19 be transmitted orally?

The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouth or nose of a person nearby. Coming into contact with a person's spit through kissing or other sexual activities could expose you to the virus.
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What can I do to prevent COVID-19 during grocery shopping?

• Clean your hands with sanitizer before entering the store.
• Cover a cough or sneeze in your bent elbow or tissue.
• Maintain at least a 1-metre distance from others, and if you can’t maintain this distance, wear a
mask (many stores now require a mask).
• Once home, wash your hands thoroughly and also after handling and storing your purchased
products.

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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.

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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.
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Is it likely to catch COVID-19 from a surface?

It's unlikely to catch COVID-19 from a surface, but the risk still exists. Lab studies have found that the virus may last on different materials for varying amounts of time. We don't know if these findings always apply in the real world, but we can use them as a guideline.
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How long can COVID-19 survive on surfaces?

Data from surface survival studies indicate that a 99% reduction in infectious SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses can be expected under typical indoor environmental conditions within 3 days (72 hours) on common non-porous surfaces like stainless steel, plastic, and glass .
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Can you get infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface with the virus on it?

Another way to catch the new coronavirus is when you touch surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on. You may touch a countertop or doorknob that's contaminated and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes. The virus can live on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for 2 to 3 days.
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Are there special precautions to take while eating fresh produce?

  • COVID-19 is not known to be caused from eating contaminated food, so safety of fresh produce should not be a concern relative to this new virus.
  • Follow good food safety practices whenever preparing, storing, or consuming foods.
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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.

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Should I wash my hands after opening a package to avoid coronavirus disease?

Currently, there have been no cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.Still, to protect yourself, wash your hands after opening the package within the shipping box. Washing your hands regularly is one of the most effective ways to reduce the chances of contracting coronavirus.
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How long does the coronavirus stay on plastic and stainless steel surfaces?

Scientists found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be detected in aerosols for up to three hours and on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days.
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What not to eat during the COVID-19 pandemic?


Avoid foods that are high in salt and sugar. Limit the number of soft drinks and other drinks that are high in sugar. Instead of sweet snacks like cookies, cake, and candy, choose fresh fruits.

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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.
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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.
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How to handle dishes after COVID-19 patient?

• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: Handle any dishes, cups/glasses, or silverware used by the person who is sick with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.
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What are the guidelines for disinfecting food from the coronavirus disease?

Always keep in mind the basic 4 food safety steps — Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.
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