Can the Coronavirus Live on Food and Food Packaging? – Healthline

The new coronavirus, which is called SARS-CoV-2, is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets. If someone who has the virus talks, coughs, or sneezes, and you inhale these droplets, you can develop COVID-19.

Respiratory droplets that contain the virus can also land on various surfaces. Although its less common, the new coronavirus can also be transmitted through contact with a contaminated surface and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.

Because of this, theres been some concern about contracting the virus through food or food packaging.

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of this happening is actually very low.

In this article, well take a closer look at whats known about contracting the coronavirus from food or food packaging, and the steps you can take to keep yourself safe.

Coronaviruses need living host cells in order to thrive. Unlike bacteria or fungi, they cannot multiply in or on food.

Its still possible for the coronavirus to be present on food. Indeed, some research thats currently in pre-print has found that the virus can survive on refrigerated or frozen meats for weeks.

However, the CDC notes that theres currently no evidence to support that the spread of COVID-19 is associated with food.

Additionally, taking appropriate food safety measures can help ensure that you dont get sick from food.

Proper food safety not only reduces the risk of contracting the virus, but it also prevents exposure to germs that can cause foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella, E. coli, and listeria.

Lets explore some food safety tips that can help protect you from contracting harmful germs including the new coronavirus from the food you eat.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water both before and after handling food.

Its particularly important to wash your hands after handling raw food items like meat, poultry, and seafood.

Many foods have a safe minimum cooking temperature. This is the internal temperature that a food needs to be cooked to in order to kill potentially harmful germs like bacteria.

The safe minimum cooking temperature can vary by food type. Some examples of a safe minimum cooking temperature include:

Be sure to know the minimum cooking temperature for your food prior to cooking it. You can measure a foods internal temperature by using a food thermometer.

Because germs can be found on the surface of fresh produce, its important to rinse these items thoroughly before eating them.

To do this, gently rub the surface of the produce while its under cold running water. For firm produce like potatoes or apples, you can use a clean brush with no soap to help you gently scrub the surface.

Avoid using soap, bleach, or disinfectants to clean fresh produce. These can be harmful to you if you ingest them.

Some foods need to be refrigerated or frozen. Store these items at the proper temperature as soon as possible. Bacteria can grow on or in these items if theyre allowed to sit out at room temperature.

If frozen foods need to be thawed before cooking, make sure to do so safely. Safe ways to thaw frozen foods include in the refrigerator, under cold water, and by using your microwave.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been no cases of COVID-19 that have been associated with food packaging or shopping bags.

However, its possible that the new coronavirus can survive on these surfaces.

In fact, studies have been performed on how long the new coronavirus can survive on several different surfaces. Some of these include common food packaging materials, such as:

Its important to remember that these studies were done in standardized laboratory conditions. If the virus is present on food packaging, its likely to be in small amounts and will also be sensitive to conditions like temperature and humidity.

Overall, the new coronavirus doesnt survive well outside of the human body. Because of this, wiping down your groceries isnt typically necessary.

Follow these tips to stay as safe as possible while handling food packaging:

Aside from food and food packaging, you may be concerned about restaurant food. This can include food that you eat while dining in person or youve ordered through takeout and delivery services.

During the pandemic, restaurants have taken steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 through food preparation by putting certain safety measures in place, such as:

While its not impossible to be exposed to the new coronavirus from food thats been cooked or handled by another individual, its still unlikely.

Nevertheless, it remains important to be safe when ordering food.

Lets look at how to do this.

Even though restaurants have implemented many safety measures, it doesnt mean that going out to eat is risk-free.

In fact, a CDC study found that people who have tested positive for COVID-19 were twice as likely to have recently visited a restaurant.

So how can you protect yourself if you do choose to dine out?

Follow the pointers below:

There are also steps you can take to stay safe when ordering takeout and delivery. Heres a look at what you can do.

Its not known how long the new coronavirus can survive in water. A 2008 study on another human coronavirus found that virus levels decreased by 99.9 percent after 10 days in room-temperature-filtered tap water.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), tap water is safe. You can continue to use it as you always have for drinking, washing, and cooking.

Prior to reaching you, tap water is treated at a water treatment plant. This treatment uses filters, disinfectants, and UV light to get rid of potentially harmful germs, including the new coronavirus.

However, the virus has been detected in other types of water, including non-potable water, wastewater, and river water. Because of this, its important to use caution around these types of water sources.

In addition to the food safety measures weve discussed, the following tips can help keep the coronavirus out of your home:

The risk of getting the new coronavirus from surfaces including food or food packaging is very low. While the virus can be present on these items, taking preventive steps can help greatly reduce your risk for exposure.

These preventive steps include washing your hands after handling food or its packaging, and cooking foods to the appropriate temperature. When ordering from a restaurant, focus on locations that are taking preventive steps, such as using contactless services.

While tap water is safe to drink, its best to use caution with other water sources, like wastewater and river water, as the virus has been detected in these sources.

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Can the Coronavirus Live on Food and Food Packaging? - Healthline