Will microwaving my takeout protect me from COVID-19?

The answer to that is… maybe. According to the CDC, microwaves have been proven to kill bacteria and viruses when zapping the food from 60 seconds to five minutes.

Can I get COVID-19 from food?

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.

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.

Can I catch COVID-19 by eating food handled or prepared by others?

According to the CDC, the risk of getting COVID-19 by handling or consuming food from a restaurant, takeout, or drive through is very low.

What temperature kills the virus that causes COVID-19?

Research on the impact of temperature has shown that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is sensitive to elevated temperatures, with over 99.99% inactivation in only a few minutes at 70°C (158°F). However, this temperature is far outside the limits of human comfort and could damage some building materials.

What to do if I have COVID? Treatment

In what conditions does COVID-19 survive the longest?

Coronaviruses die very quickly when exposed to the UV light in sunlight. Like other enveloped viruses, SARS-CoV-2 survives longest when the temperature is at room temperature or lower, and when the relative humidity is low (<50%).

Can COVID-19 be destroyed by freezing it in food?

It is unlikely that freezing by itself would be effective in inactivating COVID-19, however as detailed by the FDA, there is currently no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19.

Can the coronavirus disease spread through food 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.

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.

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.

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.

Is it still safe to receive packages during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures is also low.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How should I wash fruits and Vegetables after bringing them from super market during COVID-19 pandemic?

• Wash or scrub fruits and vegetables under running water—even if you do not plan to eat the peel.Germs on the peeling or skin can get inside fruits and vegetables when you cut them.
• Washing fruits and vegetables with soap, detergent, or commercial produce wash is not recommended.

Can the coronavirus survive in drinking water?

The coronavirus hasn't been found in drinking water. If it does get into the water supply, your local water treatment plant filters and disinfects the water, which should kill any germs.

Can soap and water remove COVID-19?

Many types of bacteria and viruses, including the new coronavirus (COVID-19), can live on your hands and enter your body when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth, or the food you eat. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to remove these germs and avoid getting sick.